L3 Technologies AIS User Manual
Marine Systems
Aviation Recorders
Rev. 02 Page 1--3
July 29/03
Automatic Identification System
ProTec AIS Introduction
1.1.
General
The L--3 ProTec is an Automatic Identification System transponder which is fully
compliant to the technical specifications defined by the IMO and outlined in ITU.R.M
1371--1. The transponder employs the latest radio frequency and SOTDMA and
DSC controller technology to provide a high performance, automated, and reliable
identification system for commercial mariners. The Transponder is a fully automated
system which ties into ship’s navigational instruments to provide automatic transmis-
sion of ships identity, status, and maneuvering intentions via standard marine VHF
communication techniques. Sequencing of transmission between all vessels within
VHF range is provided through SOTDMA controlling software to handle high traffic
volume situations.
compliant to the technical specifications defined by the IMO and outlined in ITU.R.M
1371--1. The transponder employs the latest radio frequency and SOTDMA and
DSC controller technology to provide a high performance, automated, and reliable
identification system for commercial mariners. The Transponder is a fully automated
system which ties into ship’s navigational instruments to provide automatic transmis-
sion of ships identity, status, and maneuvering intentions via standard marine VHF
communication techniques. Sequencing of transmission between all vessels within
VHF range is provided through SOTDMA controlling software to handle high traffic
volume situations.
The Transponder is a fully automated system. This means that once it is installed
and turned on, no maintenance is required to keep it operational. The only time the
user needs to perform any function on the transponder is to change the ship’s Ves-
sel/Voyage data as required.
and turned on, no maintenance is required to keep it operational. The only time the
user needs to perform any function on the transponder is to change the ship’s Ves-
sel/Voyage data as required.
1.1.1.
System Overview
The L--3 ProTec is an Automatic Identification System fully compliant with the IMO
specifications defined in IMO MSC.74(69) Annex 3, IEC 61993--2, and ITU.R
M.1371--1. This AIS transponder has been developed using technology applied in
the design of our VHF DSC Class A radio, a design which has been field tested for
over a decade with over 10000 units operational in the field. With the addition of the
SOTDMA controllers, the L--3 ProTec provides a cost--effective AIS solution which
will meet the needs of any vessel required to carry AIS. The compact, single--box
design allows the L--3 ProTec to be easily incorporated into any bridge layout thus
simplifying installation and cabling requirements.
specifications defined in IMO MSC.74(69) Annex 3, IEC 61993--2, and ITU.R
M.1371--1. This AIS transponder has been developed using technology applied in
the design of our VHF DSC Class A radio, a design which has been field tested for
over a decade with over 10000 units operational in the field. With the addition of the
SOTDMA controllers, the L--3 ProTec provides a cost--effective AIS solution which
will meet the needs of any vessel required to carry AIS. The compact, single--box
design allows the L--3 ProTec to be easily incorporated into any bridge layout thus
simplifying installation and cabling requirements.
The L--3 ProTec has been designed as maintenance-free unit which makes exten-
sive use of surface mount technology (SMT). The repair of printed wiring assemblies
(PWAs) containing SMT components requires specialized factory equipment, train-
ing, and techniques, therefore, such PWAs are not field-repairable.
sive use of surface mount technology (SMT). The repair of printed wiring assemblies
(PWAs) containing SMT components requires specialized factory equipment, train-
ing, and techniques, therefore, such PWAs are not field-repairable.
As a result, maintenance philosophy for the L--3 ProTec is replacement of failed as-
semblies. In the case of the L--3 ProTec, the replaceable assemblies are the RF
Main PWA (205M0023--00), the Channel 70 PWA (205M0003--01), the Computer
PWA (p/n: 205M0272--00), the Display PWA (205M0051--00), the IEC PWA
(205M0274--00), and the Controller PWA (205M0008--00).
semblies. In the case of the L--3 ProTec, the replaceable assemblies are the RF
Main PWA (205M0023--00), the Channel 70 PWA (205M0003--01), the Computer
PWA (p/n: 205M0272--00), the Display PWA (205M0051--00), the IEC PWA
(205M0274--00), and the Controller PWA (205M0008--00).