903S VHF/UHF Man-Portable COMINT System

The TCI Model 903S is a compact, man-portable

Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and
direction finding (DF) system. At less than
40 Kg, it is ideal for two-man carry, as well as for
mobile and transportable applications.

Detect, DF and record signals of interest

with a completely transportable solution.
Wideband Scanning Detection with
Simultaneous Df
The 903S searches, detects, intercepts, identifies,
locates or localizes sources of all intentional and
unintentinal RF energy and simultaneously DFs
all signals in the bands of interest the operator
specifies using fast-stepping wideband receivers
combined with DSP-based fine frequency
channelization.

Modern Signal Detection and Df

System operations

Interlinked fast scanning detection/DF displays

combined with powerful signal isolation
capabilities enable real-time and post facto
detection and DF of modern signals, including
frequency-agile signals.

An easy-to-learn, intuitive operator interface

provides complete tasking, scanning, signaldetection, DF/TDOA/geolocation, reporting and
mission-replay functions.

full Mission replay

Spectrograms and DF reports are stored in a
high-speed relational database, allowing replay of
all missions with different graphical settings and
signal selection/deselection criteria. Non-volatile
memory allows data to be replayed post-misison
for analysis in a safe environment. Any station can
merge data sets from multiple stations, providing
post facto triangulation and geolocation of all
signals of interest.* Full IQ recording allows postfacto Lookback TDOA the ability to go back in
time and perform TDOA geolocation on a signal
that is no longer transmitting.
*Requires a minimum of three units.

903S VHF/UHF Man-Portable COMINT System

Intercept and locate signals with a fully

integrated man-portable solution.
K E Y F E AT U R E S

Rugged design and low size, weight and power consumption suitable for portable
applications.

Comprehensive intercept and DF of all signals from 30 to 3,000 MHz.

Optional intercept of HF signals down to 100 kHz.
3 GHz/sec fast-scanning detection with simultaneous DF of all detected signals at
frequency channelization of 25 kHz (DF First technology).

Analyze and geolocate multiple signals of interest from data collected in a dense
signal environment.

Capable of networked multi-site geolocation of emitters of interest.

Display spectral and DF reports collected by the real-time system.
Lookback Collection and analysis of signals of interest in the past.
Azimuth-colored spectrogram, map with bearing rays from sensors and detection
metadata displays.

Selectable wideband 4 or 40 MHz (in VHF/UHF band) instantaneous bandwidth.

Wideband recording with selectable bandwidth up to 40 MHz.
Built in solid state drive can perform wideband recording up to 4 hours at 4 MHz.
Detection and DF of conventional and modern signal types.
Client-server architecture with full networking capability.
Built-in self-test (BIST) and calibration.
Modular, compact, industry-standard architecture supports flexible

implementation in man-portable, mobile, fixed, and transportable configurations.

Optional signal modulation recognition.

Optional signal analysis and decode suite available with over 200 signal types.

System Architecture 903S

TCI 649 v/uhf

Df/Monitoring antenna

TCI 6085S processor

with Database

rugged Workstation

vaC

Typical CustomerSupplied Data radio

poWer Supply
vaC12 vDC
12 vDC

power Supply used for

system charging only.

The TCI Model 903S compact, man-portable CoMInT and Df system is ideal for two-man carry, as well as mobile and transportable applications.

903S VHF/UHF Man-Portable COMINT System

Concept of Operation
TCI 645 vhf/uhf Df anD MonITor anTenna
ConCealeD In Cargo CarrIer

Operation in Vehicle
Each vehicle can be equipped with either a TCI
649 or roof-mounted TCI 645M antenna. The
user will place the portable TCI 903S station into
the vehicle and connect to the roof-top antenna
cables. Changing antennas is easy as the 903S
system automatically configures to the correct
antenna type. The equipment can be operated
from its internal batteries or connected to the
12 VDC power supply from the vehicle. In this
configuration, the operator can conduct signal
search, monitoring, wideband recording, homing
and/or direction finding (DF) of targets of interest
while the vehicle is stationary or in motion. In either
vehicle or man-portable configuration, stations
may be networked for real-time or post facto
geolocation (DF and/or TDOA). Any station in the
network may request Line of Bearing (LOB) and/
or TDOA data from the other networked stations
to obtain geolocation of targets.

Man-portable Operation
The TCI 903S portable system can be disconnected
from the vehicular configuration and carried by
two people in areas that only allow access on
foot. Once they reach the intended deployment
location, the two operators will set-up the
station and initiate operations. When deployed
in man-portable configuration, the station uses
the portable TCI 649 light-weight antenna on a
carbon-fiber tripod and it is powered from its
internal batteries or external battery pack. In this
configuration, the operator can conduct signal
search, monitoring, wideband recording and
direction finding (DF) of targets of interest. If a
portable network radio is available, the station
may request line of bearing (LOBs) and/or TDOA
data from other networked stations to obtain
geolocation of targets.

TCI 649 Man-porTable vhf/uhf

Df anD MonITor anTenna array

System Details 903S

Functionality
The TCI 903S system can scan the entire
30 to 3,000 Mhz band or selected sub-bands.
operator can define signal detection criteria.
view of signal detections can be dynamically
altered by azimuth, bandwidth, power,
frequency, duration or other metadata.
operator can add comments relating to the
collected signal.
The 903S can transmit and receive line-ofbearing data to/from any other networked
station for automatic geolocation.
all data is stored on non-volatile media so it is
available for post facto analysis.

While in the man-portable configuration, the operator can conduct signal search, monitoring,

wideband recording and direction finding (Df) of targets of interest. If a portable network
radio is available, the station may request line of bearing (lobs) from other networked
stations to obtain geolocation (triangulation) of targets.

Signal Analysis
The TCI 903S system provides the following
signal analysis and demodulation capabilities on
the operator workstation computer:

Real time analysis and demodulation of

detected signals in narrowband and wideband

Optional automatic recognition of known

modulation types: (Analog: AM FM, USB,
LSB, CW, Morse. Digital: BPSK, QPSK, pi/4
DQPSK, 8-16-PSK, 2-, 3-, 4-, 8-FSK, MSK
OOK, 4PAM, 16-, 32-, 64-, 128-, 256-QAM,
V.29)

The 903S system is also compatible with a wide

variety of additional third-party signal analysis
and decode tools, including popular GOTS
backend signal processors.

Analog audio playback

Tools to measure and display basic parameters
of the intercepted signals and record bit
streams.

TCI Mobile Station operation

903S VHF/UHF Man-Portable COMINT System

Blackbird Software
The TCI Blackbird NextGen software presents
a powerful, user-friendly spectrogram view
to browse the live and past RF environment,
but it is much more than a spectrum analyzer.
Sophisticated signal processing continuously
detects and characterizes all signals found. The
parameters of these signal intercepts flow into a
real-time database; database searches (also in
real-time) allow isolation of true signals of interest
from the crowded background environment.

Flexible Operations and Display

The Blackbird NextGen software provides the
user with an easy-to-use interface for controlling
and analyzing the signal collection flow.
Operation consists of four simple steps:

1. Choose Targets
Blackbirds Auto-Configurator automatically
configures the RF front end and detection system
and begins detection.

Color controls

Spectrogram

Detection Overlay

Pop up Signal Info

Spectrogram data can

be colored by power,
direction or even tag.

Full spectrogram data

served for live or past
data.

Transparent overlay
highlights detected
signals.

Point at any detected

signal to pop-up the
signal info window. Right
click to apply actions to
the selected signal.

2. Browse or Search for Signals of

Interest
Blackbird NextGen returns matching signals and
displays in List, Map and Spectrogram views.
Seamlessly search both live and past signals.

3. Take action (with a single right click)

on any signal, such as:

Set Tag
Record
IQ Extract (WB recorder)
Precision Geolocation
Handoff (live only)
Add Emitter Info
Send to(signal analysis)
Export
Find Similar

Power
The TCI 903S station is supplied with integral 12
VDC batteries that allow a run time of minimum
four hours. The system reports battery power
level and issues a visual and audible warning
when battery power is critically low.

The TCI 903S station can be operated from

standard 12 VDC vehicular power.

The TCI 903S station is supplied with a

power supply for connection to standard
commercial power.

The TCI 903S station can be switched between

4. Make it Automatic

different power sources without rebooting or

Assign automatic actions to signals matching

disrupting active missions.

search criteria
Save searches with actions into mission for
Auto-Searches

Redefining Search and Visualization

Unlike traditional spectrogram views, the new Blackbirds
spectrogram provides a unique, semi-transparent overlay
showing the detected signal catalog.

Typical Specifications 903S

Model 903S Specifications

pa r a M e T e r

va lu e

CoMMenTS

pa r a M e T e r

va lu e

CoMMenTS

System

frequency range

environmental (Electronics Only)

Temperature

- 20 to 60 C

Operating

Below 30 MHz optional

Temperature

- 40 to 70 C

Storage

All

Altitude

3,000 m

Operating
(10,000 ft.)

DF Bandwidth

6.25 to 200 kHz

Many intermediate values

Altitude

15,000 m

Instrument DF Accuracy

0.1

Storage
(50,000 ft.)

System DF Accuracy

5 RMS

Operating
Humidity

0 to 95%

Non-Condensing

DF System Sensitivity

10 dB

Vibration

10 to 55 Hz

0.4 mm
Amplitude

Power

12 VDC
120/230 VAC

Consult factory
for available AC
power adapters

Power
Consumption

120 W

Max.

Frequency Range, DF

30 to 3,000 MHz

Frequency Range, Monitoring

100 kHz to 3,000 MHz

Modulation Modes (DF)

Polarization
DF Scan Rate

SNR, 25 kHz BW
Vertical

3 GHz/sec

25 kHz Channels

Spectrum processor
Architecture

VME

Configuration

Dual Channel receiver

Operating System

Windows 7 embedded

A/D Resolution

16 bit

Wideband Recording

4 hours

4 MHz BW, solid state drive

Tuning Speed

3 ms

<100 MHz steps

Tuning Increments

1 Hz

Gain Control

120 dB

Digital range

IF Bandwidths

40/4 MHz

3 dB

Image Rejection

90 dB

IF Rejection

80 dB

In-Band Dynamic Range

90 dB

3rd-Order Intercept point

+18 dBm

2nd-Order Intercept point

+50 dBm

Noise Figure

Antenna dependent

See antenna data sheets

LO Phase Noise

-110 dBc/Hz

10 kHz offset

Color and Finish

The TCI 903S system components are colored
OD green and have a non-reflective finish.

receiver

90 dB Typical

Urban mode

export of TCI International, Inc. systems and

products may be subject to u.S. export controls.
u.S. export license may be required.
Specifications subject to change without notification

T C I I n T e r n aT I o n a l , I n C .
3541 gateway blvd.
fremont, Ca 94538-6585 uSa
Tel: 1-510-687-6100
uSa: 1-800-824-8074
faX: 1-510-687-6101
www.tcibr.com

Specialized Expertise in a Global Family

TCI International, Inc., a leading supplier of end-to-end, ITU-compliant RF spectrum
monitoring and management solutions, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SPX Corporation.
Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, SPX Corporation (NYSE: SPW) is a global,
multi-industry manufacturing leader with approximately $5 billion in annual revenue,
operations in more than 35 countries and over 14,000 employees.
SPX team members collaborate across business segments and borders to
deliver greater efficiencies and better ideas for helping customers succeed and grow
their businesses.
At TCI, this commitment to innovation serves civilian spectrum regulatory
departments and provides COMINT, ISR, and DF solutions for Military, National Security
and Intelligence agencies.
TCI has developed high-performance RF and spectrum monitoring solutions
for more than 45 years. Our complete, in-house hardware and software engineering
capabilities include RF/analog equipment design, system engineering and integration,
digital Signal Processing (DSP) design and implementation and expert client-server
software design and development.

Company proprietary
Data and specications subject to change without notication
not for distribution without prior permission from TCI.
903S-07-01-14
2004-2014 TCIall rights reserved