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Improve documentation by describing the antenna kit hardware.
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38 changes: 25 additions & 13 deletions README.md
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# TFSIK01A - Dual Antenna diversity telemetry modem with a high noise immunity
# TFSIK01A - Dual Antenna diversity telemetry modem with a high noise immunity

The TFSIK01A is a high-end open-source hardware design of a UAV modem with [SiK firmware](https://github.com/ThunderFly-aerospace/SiK). It uses the latest Si1000 series chip Si1060 which is equipped with [Si4463 EZRadioPRO Transceiver](https://www.silabs.com/documents/public/data-sheets/Si4463-61-60-C.pdf).
The RF front is designed to have high immunity to the jamming on out-band frequencies, this gives TFSIK special features such as being operable in the near proximity of out of used band signal jammers. RF noise immunity is a hardware-based feature, therefore it is extremely reliable, but the proper antenna and frequency band must be used for the best results. Contact [ThunderFly s.r.o.](https://www.thunderfly.cz/) to get the support and consultation.
The RF front is designed to have high immunity to the jamming on out-band frequencies, this gives TFSIK special features such as being operable in the near proximity of out of used band signal jammers. RF noise immunity is a hardware-based feature, therefore it is extremely reliable, but the proper antenna and frequency band must be used for the best results. Contact [ThunderFly s.r.o.](https://www.thunderfly.cz/) to get the support and consultation.

## Hardware

TFSIK modem is enclosed in 3D printed box, which is suitable to user modification. Inside that box is electronics with electromagnetic shielding.

### TFSIK modem electronics

Here is photo how TFSIK electronics look without electromagnetic shielding cover.

![TFSIK01A bottom view](doc/img/TFSIK01_1.jpg)
![TFSIK01A top view](doc/img/TFSIK01_3.jpg)
![TFSIK01A top view](doc/img/TFSIK01_3.jpg)

### TFSIK antenna kit

## The main features
External antennas are connected to the TFSIK modem by pair of two [MCX connectors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MCX_connector). For the ease of use we prepared a kit with simple whip antennas. This kit could be manufactured for multiple frequency bands. Here is 433 MHz as example. The antenna kit strictly pairs only with the TFSIK modem tuned on the same frequency band.

![TFSIK01 antenna kit](doc/img/TFSIK01_433MHz_antenna_kit.jpg)

## The TFSIK main features

* Very small size
* Automatic antenna switching
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## Advanced technologies used

* Transceiver chip: Si4463
* User-selectable output power up to +20 dBm (100mW) (The maximum legally allowed power output for most [ISM bands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISM_radio_band))
* RX Sensitivity -124 dBm @ 1000 bps FSK
Expand All @@ -48,7 +60,7 @@ The RF front is designed to have high immunity to the jamming on out-band freque
* Gain 18.7dB
* Filter: SAW AFS selected for used frequency band

The above parameters are guaranteed only in case of the use of a proper RF antenna matched for a given frequency band. When using an improper antenna with a radio modem (VSWR above 1.5:1), there may arise several issues that could affect the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the system. Here is a simplified list:
The above parameters are guaranteed only in case of the use of a proper RF antenna matched for a given frequency band. When using an improper antenna with a radio modem (VSWR above 1.5:1), there may arise several issues that could affect the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the system. Here is a simplified list:

- **Reduced Range** - The most immediate problem would be a reduced operating range. The antenna is critical for transmitting and receiving signals effectively. An improper antenna may result in weaker signals, thereby limiting the distance over which the modem can communicate.
- **Signal Degradation** - Poorly matched antennas could degrade the quality of the transmitted and received signals. This can lead to higher bit error rates, packet loss, and data corruption, impacting the reliability of the system.
Expand All @@ -59,25 +71,25 @@ The above parameters are guaranteed only in case of the use of a proper RF anten
- **Increased Latency** - Poor signal strength and quality could also result in increased latency due to packet retransmissions, affecting real-time applications like telemetry transmission.
- **Difficulty in Troubleshooting** - An improper antenna can introduce a myriad of issues that can be hard to diagnose. This could result in increased downtime and maintenance costs, as engineers would need to spend additional time identifying and resolving the issues.

## Usage
## Usage

### UAV command and control

The TFSIK modem is intended to be used at UAV as an "in the air" part of the communication link. For the ground control station, the [TFMODEM](https://github.com/ThunderFly-aerospace/TFMODEM01) is supposed to be used.
The reasons for the difference in the air and ground control station units are design tradeoffs.
For the example, the ground control unit needs a very reliable, therefore there is a large interface USB connector, to the ground control station computer.
The same connector is impractical to be used in the UAV part. Similar restrictions apply to the RF filters, antenna connectors, etc. To resolve that, we decided to use different implementations of the ground station.
For the example, the ground control unit needs a very reliable, therefore there is a large interface USB connector, to the ground control station computer.
The same connector is impractical to be used in the UAV part. Similar restrictions apply to the RF filters, antenna connectors, etc. To resolve that, we decided to use different implementations of the ground station.

### ROS2 long-range wireless datalink

SiK firmware is commonly used in radio modems, particularly in the fields of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and robotics. When integrated into a Robot Operating System (ROS) or ROS2 environment, SiK technology offers several advantages. It provides reliable and long-range communication, which is crucial for both indoor and outdoor robotic applications. The low latency of TFSIK01 modems ensures real-time responsiveness, a critical factor in robotics. These modems are highly configurable, offering users the flexibility to tailor the system according to specific needs. Additionally, their compatibility with various communication protocols makes them easy to integrate into existing ROS and ROS2 systems.
SiK firmware is commonly used in radio modems, particularly in the fields of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and robotics. When integrated into a Robot Operating System (ROS) or ROS2 environment, SiK technology offers several advantages. It provides reliable and long-range communication, which is crucial for both indoor and outdoor robotic applications. The low latency of TFSIK01 modems ensures real-time responsiveness, a critical factor in robotics. These modems are highly configurable, offering users the flexibility to tailor the system according to specific needs. Additionally, their compatibility with various communication protocols makes them easy to integrate into existing ROS and ROS2 systems.

## FAQ

### How can I connect it to a PC/mobile/tablet?
### How can I connect it to a PC/mobile/tablet?

The easiest solution is the use of [TFUSBSERIAL01 gadget](https://github.com/ThunderFly-aerospace/TFUSBSERIAL01) to create a virtual UART/Serial link from a USB-A or USB-C connector.
The easiest solution is the use of [TFUSBSERIAL01 gadget](https://github.com/ThunderFly-aerospace/TFUSBSERIAL01) to create a virtual UART/Serial link from a USB-A or USB-C connector.

## Where I could get it?

The device can be purchased from [ThunderFly s.r.o.](https://www.thunderfly.cz/). Contact us by email at [email protected] for a commercial quotation. We are designers of this modem and therefore have full control of the modem construction and design. This gives us the ability to react even on non-standard requests for modification or functions.
The device can be purchased from [ThunderFly s.r.o.](https://www.thunderfly.cz/). Contact us by email at [email protected] for a commercial quotation. We are designers of this modem and therefore have full control of the modem construction and design. This gives us the ability to react even on non-standard requests for modification or functions.
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