02_02870_SOW_(2).docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

TITLE: Brand Name- National Instrument Multi-Channel Wireless Communications System LAB REQUESTING SERVICE: Communications Technology Laboratory, RF Technology Division

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Communications Technology Laboratory is in the process of expanding its research efforts related to spectrum sharing and software defined radios. This research spans a broad area covering topics associated with distributed spectrum sensing, signal propagation, interference between devices, and evaluating a device’s ability to share spectrum. As we explore each of these topics, we will need a general set of scientific instrumentation that will allow us to conduct experiments related to spectrum sharing. One of the keys to efficient sharing of the spectrum is the ability to use multi-channel (MIMO or multi-stream) technologies. The hardware used for our experiments should be general in nature, that is, reconfigurable to perform a variety of tasks. In some cases, we may have one transmitting channel and many receiving channels, or vice versa. In addition to having the ability to adjust the number of transmitting and receiving channels, it is also essential to conduct preliminary high-speed data processing as soon data are collected. To enable this, access to a field-programmable gate array (ideally co-located with the RF hardware) is essential. The ability to stream data to a storage system is also essential as it enables large amounts of data to be rapidly collected for future analysis.

II. SCOPE OF WORK

We envision this system consisting of the following key components: four RF vector signal transceivers with on-board FPGA capabilities, a chassis-type configuration (as opposed to rack mounting each individual transceiver) with an embedded computer capable of controlling each of the transceivers. All of these components should be able to fit in a single chassis system. However, to facilitate future expansion, the single chassis system specified in Section III shall have the ability to be expanded. That is, have another compatible chassis connected to it at a later date. We also envision a RAID type storage system external to the chassis of RF and FPGA hardware, as described in Section III.

In addition to the hardware, software shall be provided that enables measurement of common wireless communications protocols and standards (e.g., LTE, Wi-Fi, etc.). Such software should be installed on the embedded computer allowing the system to operate without the use of an external desktop PC.

III. SPECIFICATIONS

The Contractor shall provide one (1) National Instrument multi-channel wireless communications system that meets the following minimum technical requirements. The Contractor shall deliver the system and warranty it, as described below.

1. The multi-channel system shall have four RF channels. A channel is defined as a RF transceiver – a device that is capable of either transmitting or receiving a RF signal.

1.1. At a minimum, each RF channel shall be able to operate from 100 MHz to 6 GHz.

1.2. Each channel shall have a minimum instantaneous transmitting or receiving bandwidth of at least 20 MHz across the full frequency range of operation, and at least 200 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth between 200 MHz and 6 GHz.

1.3. When configured as a receiver, the average noise floor of each RF channel shall not exceed -140 dBm (for a signal at any frequency, with the input port terminated and a -10 dBm reference level).

1.4. When configured as a transmitter, each RF channel shall be capable of outputting at least +10 dBm (CW) for signals less than 4 GHz and +7 dBm (CW) for signals greater than or equal to 4 GHz.

1.5. The input/output port of each RF channel shall have either a SMA, 3.5 mm or Type-N connector. All RF channels must have the same type of output connector. Regardless of the output connector type, it shall have a nominal impedance of 50 ohms.

2. Each of the four RF channels shall have a user-programmable FPGA.

3. To facilitate rapid processing of digital signals, there shall be one user-programmable FPGA external to the RF hardware, but installed in the same chassis as the RF channels.

3.1.1. This external FPGA shall have at least 2 GB of onboard RAM and be capable of streaming at least 3 GB/s of data back to the embedded host controller.

3.1.2. The external FPGA shall be capable of receiving streaming data from any of the RF channels located in the same chassis. That is, data may go directly from the RF acquisition hardware to the external FPGA without passing through the embedded computer first. This feature is sometimes referred to as “peer-to-peer streaming.”

4. To synchronize this multi-channel system with other laboratory equipment, the system shall be equipped an accurate clock suitable for trigger/synchronizing other instrumentation. This clock shall utilize an oven controlled oscillator with an accuracy of at least 50 parts per billion. This clock must be able to operate successfully without the use of an external reference (e.g., GPS signal, broadcast radio reference).

4.1. This clock shall also be capable of synchronizing additional chassis systems.

4.2. This clock hardware shall have at least two outputs: a 10 MHz output, and an output where the frequency can be adjusted. At a minimum, the frequency shall be adjustable from 1 MHz to 500 MHz. The accuracy of the adjustable frequency output need not meet the same 50 ppb requirements.

5. To facilitate expansion of the system to include additional chassis, this system shall be equipped with a high-speed interface capable of connecting up to 8 compatible chassis. This hardware would allow all additional chassis to be controlled by a single “master” chassis/controller.

6. To control the chassis, RF hardware, FPGA, trigger hardware, and daisy chain interface, an embedded computer shall be included and installed in the chassis. The computer shall meet the following requirements:

6.1. Utilize a 64-bit CPU with at least eight cores and a clock frequency of at least 2.0 GHz.

6.2. Utilize at least 16 GB of RAM, but be expandable to at least 24 GB.

6.3. Contain a hard drive of at least 200 GB in size.

7. The embedded computer shall contain software (and appropriate licensing) to generate and receive/analyze the following signals on any of the four RF channels: LTE FDD, LTE TDD, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, WCDMA/HSPA+, and GPS.

7.1. The provided software shall also contain a soft-panel interface for basic spectrum analysis and signal generation.

7.2. There shall be no limitation on the number of signals that can be generated or analyzed. That is, the software license provided shall allow for an indefinite number of signals to be generated or analyzed over the lifetime of the system.

8. The chassis used to hold and control this multi-channel system shall meet the following general requirements:

8.1. The chassis shall be mountable in a conventional 19” equipment rack.

8.2. The chassis shall not require more than 15 amps at 120 VAC at 60 Hz.

8.3. The chassis shall have a total backplane throughput capacity of at least 24 GB/s (each direction).

9. To allow RF data to be streamed at high speeds, the chassis shall be equipped such that it can be connected directly to a RAID array/system. This RAID system shall meet the following requirements:

9.1. The RAID system shall be capable of sustained read/write speeds of up to 3.6 GB/s.

9.2. The following RAID modes shall be supported: 0, 1, 10, 5, and 6.

9.3. The RAID system shall have a storage capacity of at least 5 TB, and shall utilize solid state drives to accomplish this. Note that the RAID storage need not physically reside in the same chassis as the multi-channel system. It may reside in a separate chassis/enclosure.

9.3.1. If the RAID system resides in a separate enclosure, it shall be mountable in a conventional 19” equipment rack.

9.4. By itself, the RAID system shall require no more than 20 amps at 120 VAC (60 Hz).

10. The chassis shall ship assembled and have completed a basic power-up test prior to arrival at NIST.

11. The Contractor shall use only new equipment. The use of refurbished or used equipment is not permissible.

12. The Contractor shall include any necessary cables for connecting the system to conventional U.S. power outlets.

13. The Contractor shall include the cost of shipping the completed system to the NIST site in Boulder, CO.

Warranty:

The Contractor shall provide, at a minimum, a three year warranty for the system. The warranty shall cover all parts, labor, routine calibration services, and return shipping expenses (from the manufacturer to NIST). The warranty shall commence upon delivery of the system.

The calibration services shall include measurement performance verification (with uncertainty estimates), and necessary adjustments to the hardware. The calibration shall be performed by a laboratory that is accredited to ISO 17025 and is compliant with ANSI Z540.

IV. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be 50 days from award of this requirement.

V. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The system will be delivered to the NIST facility in Boulder, CO.

VI. DELIVERABLES

VII. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT SUMMARY

Through inspection and basic tests, NIST will verify that all of the performance standards in this statement of work have been met.