Integral Systems Inc. announced that its subsidiary, RT Logic, has been awarded a contract by Iridium Communications Inc., to supply two Telemetrix 400XR Modulator/Receiver (T400XR) modems. The T400XRs will serve as Iridium’s next-generation satellite communication modems, handling all Iridium user voice and data between satellite phones and the terrestrial network for their Feeder Link Earth Terminal (FLT) Modem upgrade. Based in Bethesda, MD, Iridium Communications operates the Iridium satellite constellation, a system of 66 active satellites used for global voice and data communication.

“The new modem will be a critical component in our ground network modernization program, which will be based on a state-of-the-art teleport network architecture,” said John Roddy, Executive Vice President, Global Operations and Product Development, Iridium. “We selected RT Logic to supply this critical component because of its extensive technical expertise as a supplier of Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) software-defined modems for Low-Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellite applications.”

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RT Logic’s T400XR modem provides flexibility for supporting future missions by implementing new waveforms and networking protocols via software upgrades. In addition, the modular nature of the T400XR allows for upgrades to support new frequency bands and RF performance requirements. In fact, Iridium and RT Logic are planning to use these upgrade paths enabling the T400XR units to support Iridium’s NEXT project, a second-generation satellite constellation planned for launch in 2014.

The T400XR is an adaptable, firmware-defined modulator, demodulator, tracking receiver, and digital processing unit that replaces the functions previously provided by four unique chassis within Iridium’s FLT. The T400XR is configured with an L-band interface for RF signal processing and has a network interface for input and output of user message data. In addition to demodulation and modulation of user message data, the T400XR will also provide frame processing and packet routing consistent with Iridium’s unique requirements.

“We are excited to work with the world’s leading provider of satellite phone and data service,” said Matt Langenbahn, RT Logic’s Iridium FLT Modem Program Manager. “Due to its modular and flexible nature, the T400XR is uniquely suited to Iridium’s complex set of requirements.”