FreeWave’s MM2 900 digital data radio provides a high-bandwidth link in a form factor that is well suited for use in micro-aerial vehicles (MAVs) and other unmanned aerospace applications. Complimenting the significant progress made in the miniaturization of MAVs, the radio is specifically designed for the shrinking payloads of these increasingly deployed platforms.

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FreeWave’s Colin Lippincott states the motivation for developing the radio was a perceived need for improved digital communications in unmanned tactical aerospace applications, which extends beyond unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to include GPS-guided parachutes for air-dropped cargo. The enhanced capabilities provided by the radio include improved data throughput and extended range. The radio also supports masterless time-division multiple access (TDMA), and can simultaneously function as both an airborne repeater and a slave to another radio.

While the maximum data rate to be supported by the radio (1.2 Mbps) is not sufficient for navigation-grade video transmission, it is sufficient for general surveillance video, according to Lippincott. The radio can also be used to transmit telemetry information, as well as receive navigational commands.

The device is optimized for these and other aerospace applications due to its compact size (see the Figure), light weight (14 g), wide operating temperature range (-40 °C to +85 °C), and complete elimination of any thermal management requirements. In fact, FreeWave believes the MM2 900 has the highest performance available in this reduced form factor, including a line-of-sight range of 60 miles.

Figure. The physical characteristics of the MM2 900, including a profile of 9.6 mm and weight of 14 g (shown here with a U.S. Quarter having a thickness of 1.75 mm and weight of 5.67 g), make this digital radio suitable for the small payload capacities of MAVs.

According to Lippincott, the radio achieves this level of performance using only off-the-shelf components. This is a general design strategy used by FreeWave to implement effective RF systems at lower cost, another important feature of the radio.