New Modulation Technology Augments RF Spectrum

Aug. 1, 2013
With the addition of the Transpositional Modulation (TM) format, it is estimated that data rates can be increased between 2 and 33 times over a given bandwidth—and that’s not including the benefits of new compressions.

The same modulation formats have been used for more than a decade. With today’s bandwidth limitations, however, an upgrade is certainly welcome. Following three years of research and engineering, TM Technologies, Inc.—a division of Medusa Scientific—has successfully demonstrated a new modulation technology. Named Transpositional Modulation (TM), this approach promises to provide true DC response while remaining transparent to other modulation formats.

According to the company, TM can be added to existing modulation formats or act as a standalone format. Supposedly, it permits the transmission of much higher data rates than those possible with other forms of modulation alone. In addition, TM is immune to Doppler effects while providing the capability to combine multiple, different data streams on a single TM signal. The company claims that it generally provides the capability to meet the data rate demands of ultra-high-definition (UHD) video and other data-intensive RF requirements.

The company expects to complete a prototype satellite modem for testing this month. That modem is expected to dramatically increase “bent-pipe” data rates. It includes an Ethernet port for adding other signals into the transmitted data stream. With a September goal in mind, Medusa’s scientists also are completing a demonstration of 4K UHD video streaming via a single-signal transmission. The company has begun seeking global commercialization partners to help with the implementation of the technology into the broadcast, telecom, satellite, and wireless-Gigabit (WiGig) industries.

About the Author

Nancy Friedrich | RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense, Keysight Technologies

Nancy Friedrich is RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense at Keysight Technologies. Nancy Friedrich started a career in engineering media about two decades ago with a stint editing copy and writing news for Electronic Design. A few years later, she began writing full time as technology editor at Wireless Systems Design. In 2005, Nancy was named editor-in-chief of Microwaves & RF, a position she held (along with other positions as group content head) until 2018. Nancy then moved to a position at UBM, where she was editor-in-chief of Design News and content director for tradeshows including DesignCon, ESC, and the Smart Manufacturing shows.

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