














Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Prepare for your exams
Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points to download
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Continuously Variable Slope Delta (CVSD) modulation as a standard for digitizing audio and its implementation in a Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) stream. The document also includes results of a qualitative test of CVSD with a tactical aircraft intercom system and a procedure for determining the CVSD bit rate based on the desired minimum bit rate and information given in the host PCM format.
Typology: Study notes
1 / 22
This page cannot be seen from the preview
Don't miss anything!















5-iv
This page intentionally left blank.
Telemetry Standards, IRIG Standard 106-17 Chapter 5, May 2017
5.1 General
This chapter defines continuously variable slope delta (CVSD) modulation as the standard for digitizing audio and addresses the method of inserting CVSD encoded audio into a pulse code modulation (PCM) stream. Additional information and recommendations are provided in Appendix 5-A, which was extracted from the applicable sections of Military Standard 188-113, which has been canceled with no replacement.
Additional information regarding the insertion of the digitized voice signal into a PCM frame may be obtained in the documentation of US Patent 5,557,635.^1
5.2 Definitions
For the purpose of this standard, the following definitions apply.
Band-Limited Audio: An audio signal (typically consisting of voice, tones, and sounds) that is limited to a subset of the audio spectrum. For most aircraft audio applications, the spectrum between 100 and 2300 hertz (Hz) is adequate.
Continuously Variable Slope Delta Modulation: The CVSD modulation is a method of digitizing a band-limited audio signal. The CVSD modulator is, in essence, a 1-bit analog-to-digital converter. The output of this 1-bit encoder is a serial bit stream, where each bit represents an incremental increase or decrease in signal amplitude and is determined as a function of recent sample history.
5.3 Signal Source
The signal to be encoded shall be a band-limited audio signal. The source of this signal may be varied. Some examples are microphones, communication systems, and tones from warning systems. This standard applies to audio signals only.
5.4 Encoding/Decoding Technique
The technique to encode and decode the band-limited audio signal is CVSD modulation. This technique is to be implemented in accordance with Appendix 5-A.
A CVSD converter consists of an encoder-decoder pair. The decoder is connected in a feedback path. The encoder receives a band-limited audio signal and compares it to the analog output of the decoder. The result of the comparison is a serial string of “ones” and “zeros.” Each bit indicates that the band-limited audio sample’s amplitude is above or below the decoded signal. When a run of three identical bits is encountered, the slope of the generated analog approximation is increased in its respective direction until the identical string of bits is broken. The CVSD decoder performs the inverse operation of the encoder and regenerates the audio signal.
(^1) Daniel T. Laird. Voice encode/decode subsystem in a system for acquisition of test data using pulse code modulation. US Patent 5,557,635, filed September 28, 1994 and issued September 17, 1996.
5.8 CVSD Bit Rate Determination
The following discussion provides a procedure for determining the CVSD bit rate based on the desired minimum CVSD bit rate and information given in the host PCM format. Note that this procedure assumes the CVSD words are inserted in a class I PCM format with constant word widths and are not subcommutated. The CVSD bit rate can be obtained by multiplying the minor frame rate by the number of times the CVSD words appear in the minor frame by the word width used for the CVSD words in the minor frame. This relationship is expressed in equation (5-1).
CVSD Bit Rate = Minor Frame Rate • #CVSD Words per Minor Frame • Word Width (5-1)
Knowing the details on the host PCM format, equation (5-1) contains two unknowns: CVSD bit rate and #CVSD words per minor frame. One of these unknowns must be chosen by the user; then the other one can be calculated. The recommended procedure is to choose the desired (target value) CVSD bit rate and solve equation (5-1) for #CVSD words per minor frame. This relationship is expressed in equation (5-2).
DESIRED CVSD BIT RATE MINOR FRAME RATE WORD WIDTH
Next, round up (if required) the result of equation (5-2) to the nearest integer. To satisfy the evenly spaced recommendation, round up (if required) to the nearest integer that divides evenly into the number of PCM words per minor frame.
Finally, for either case, substitute the result of equation (5-2) back into equation (5-1) to determine the actual CVSD bit rate. To illustrate this procedure, consider the following numerical example for determining the CVSD bit rate. An existing PCM format has the characteristics:
Bit rate = 192,000 bits/second Word width = 12 bits/word Minor frame rate = 100 frames/second Words/ minor frame = 160 words/minor frame
To insert a serial CVSD bit stream with a desired (target value), CVSD bit rate of 16, bits/second will require the following procedure. Based on the information given, use equation (5-2) to calculate the #CVSD words per minor frame.
DESIRED CVSD BIT RATE MINOR FRAME RATE WORD WIDTH
16 000 ( ) 100 ( ) 12 ( ) CALCULATED =
bits frames bits word
sec sec •
#CVSD WORDS PER MINOR FRAMECALCULATED = 13.3 words/frame
Rounding up the #CVSD words per minor frame to the nearest integer yields 14. In this example, there are 160 PCM words in the minor frame. If the user needs to satisfy the evenly spaced criteria, then by inspection, the #CVSD words per minor frame will be rounded up to 16.
For comparison, both cases will be substituted into equation (5-1) to yield the actual CVSD bit rate.
CASE 1: (unevenly spaced CVSD samples, NOT RECOMMENDED)
CVSD BIT RATE = MINOR FRAME RATE • #CVSD WORDS / MINOR FRAME • WORD WIDTH
CASE 2: (evenly spaced samples, RECOMMENDED)
CVSD BIT RATE = MINOR FRAME RATE • # CVSD WORDS PER MINOR FRAME • WORD WIDTH
CVSD BITRATEACTUAL= 19200 (bits/sec )
signal, and the amplitude differences of two adjacent samples are coded into n-bit code words. This nonlinear, sampled-data feedback system then transmits the encoded bit stream through a digital channel. At the receiving end, an integrating network converts the delta-modulated bit stream through a decoding process into a close approximation of the original analog signal.
A.2.b. CVSD Converter
A typical CVSD converter consists of an encoder and a decoder (see Figure A-1 and Figure A-2). The analog input signal of the CVSD encoder is band-limited by the input band, pass filter. The CVSD encoder compares the band-limited analog input signal with an analog feedback approximation signal generated at the reconstruction integrator output. The digital output signal of the encoder is the output of the first register in the “run-of-three” counter. The digital output signal is transmitted at the clock (sample) rate and will equal “1” if the analog input signal is greater than or equal to the analog feedback signal at the instant of sampling. For this value of the digital output signal, the pulse amplitude modulator (PAM) applies a positive feedback pulse to the reconstruction integrator; otherwise, a negative pulse is applied. This function is accomplished by the polarity control signal, which is equal to the digital encoder output signal. The amplitude of the feedback pulse is derived by means of a 3-bit shift register, logic sensing for overload, and a syllabic lowpass filter. When a string of three consecutive ones or zeros appears at the digital output, a discrete voltage level is applied to the syllabic filter, and the positive feedback pulse amplitude increases until the overload string is broken. In such an event, ground potential is fed to the filter by the overload algorithm, forcing a decrease in the amplitude of the slope voltage out of the syllabic filter. The encoder and decoder have identical characteristics except for the comparator and filter functions.
The CVSD decoder consists of the input band pass filter, shift register, overload algorithm, syllabic filter, PAM and reconstruction integrator used in the encoder, and an output low-pass filter. The decoder performs the inverse function of the encoder and regenerates speech by passing the analog output signal of the reconstruction integrator through the low-pass filter. Other characteristics optimize the CVSD modulation technique for voice signals. These characteristics include the following.
a. Changes in the slope of the analog input signal determine the step-size changes of the digital output signal. b. The feedback loop is adaptive to the extent that the loop provides continuous or smoothly incremental changes in step size. c. Companding is performed at a syllabic rate to extend the dynamic range of the analog input signal. d. The reconstruction integrator is of the exponential (leaky) type to reduce the effects of digital errors.
A.3. Detailed Descriptions
The characteristics described in subparagraphs A.3.a through A.3.i are in addition to those specified in Section A.5 and are for guidance only.
A.3.a. Input Band Pass Filter
The input filter provides band-limiting and is typically a second- or higher-order filter (see Figure A-1).
A.3.b. Comparator
The comparator compares the band-limited analog input signal from the filter with the output signal of the reconstruction integrator (see Figure A-1). This comparison produces the digital error signal input to the 3-bit shift register. The transfer characteristic of the comparator is such that the difference between the two input signals causes the output signal to be driven to saturation in the direction of the sign of the difference.
A.3.c. 3-Bit Shift Register
The 3-bit shift register acts as a sampler which clocks the digital error signal from the comparator at the specified data signaling rate and stores the current samples and two previous samples of the error signal (see Figure A-1 and Figure A-2). The digital output signal is a binary signal having the same polarity as the input signal from the comparator at the time of the clock signal. The digital output signal is also the digital output of the encoder and is referred to as the baseband signal. Further processing for transmission such as conditioned diphase modulation may be applied to the baseband signal. It is necessary that the inverse of any such processing be accomplished and the baseband signal restored before the CVSD decoding process is attempted.
A.3.d. Overload Algorithm
The overload algorithm operates on the output of the 3-bit shift register (X, Y, Z) using
the run-of-threes coincidence algorithm so that the algorithm output equals ( XYZ^ +^ XYZ ) (see Figure A-1 and Figure A-2). The output signal is a binary signal at the clock signaling rate and is true for one clock period following the detection of three like bits and false at all other times.
A.3.e. Syllabic Filter
The syllabic filter acts as a low-pass filter for the output signal from the overload algorithm (see Figure A-1 and Figure A-2). The slope-voltage output of the syllabic filter is the modulating input to the PAM. The step-function response of the syllabic filter is related to the syllabic rate of speech, is independent of the sampling rate, and is exponential in nature. When the overload algorithm output is true, a charging curve is applicable. When this output is false, a discharging curve is applicable.
A.3.f. Pulse Amplitude Modulator
The PAM operates with two input signals: the output signal from the syllabic filter and the digital signal from the 3-bit shift register (see Figure A-1 and Figure A-2). The syllabic filter output signal determines the amplitude of the PAM output signal and the signal from the 3-bit shift register is the polarity control that determines the direction, plus or minus, of the PAM output signal. The phrase “continuously variable” in CVSD is derived from the way the PAM output signal varies almost continuously.
A.4. Reference Level
The decoder analog output level with the 16 and 32 kbps, 30 percent run-of-threes reference digital pattern applied to the decoder input shall be the reference level for the CVSD requirements of this standard and shall be designated 0 dBm0 (see Subparagraph A.5.i(1)).
A.5. CVSD Characteristics
The characteristics of CVSD are described in the following subparagraphs.
A.5.a. Input and Output Impedances
The analog input and output impedances for CVSD converters are not standardized. These impedances depend upon the application of the converters.
A.5.b. Data Signaling Rates
The CVSD converter shall be capable of operating at 16 and 32 kbps.
A.5.c. Input and Output Filters
The analog input shall be band pass filtered. The analog output shall be low pass filtered.
Details of input and output filers, consistent with the CVSD performance requirements of this standard, will be determined in applicable equipment specifications based on validated requirements
A.5.d. Overload Algorithm
A 3-bit shift register shall be used for the CVSD encoder and decoder (see Figure A- and Figure A-2). The overload logic shall operate on the output of this shift register using the run-of-threes coincidence algorithm. The algorithm output signal shall be a binary signal at the data-signaling rate. This signal shall be true for one clock period following the detection of three like bits (all 0s or all 1s) and false at all other times.
A.5.e. Compression Ratio
The compression ratio shall be nominally 16:1 with a maximum of 21:1 and a minimum of 12:1. The maximum slope voltage shall be measured at the output of the syllabic filter for a 30 percent run-of-threes digital pattern. The minimum slope voltage shall be measured at the output of the syllabic filter for a 0 percent run-of-threes digital pattern.
A.5.f. Syllabic Filter
The syllabic filter shall have a time constant of 5 μs ±1. The step function response of the syllabic filter shall be exponential in nature. When the output of the overload algorithm is true, a charge curve shall be applicable. When the output of the overload algorithm is false, a discharge curve shall be applicable.
A.5.g. Reconstruction Integrator Time Constant
The reconstruction integrator shall have a time constant of 1 μs ±0.25.
A.5.h. Analog-to-Digital Conversion
An 800-Hz ±10 signal at a 0 dBm0 level applied to the input of the encoder shall give a duty cycle of 0.30 at the algorithm output of the encoder shown in Figure A-1.
A.5.i. Digital-to-Analog Conversion
The characteristics of a digital-to-analog conversion are described in the following subparagraphs.
A.5.i(1) Relation of Output to Input With the applicable reference digital patterns of Table A-1 applied to the digital input of the decoder as shown in Figure A-4, the analog output signal shall be 800 Hz ±10 at the levels shown in Table A-1, measured at the decoder output. These digital patterns, shown in hexadecimal form, shall be repeating sequences.
Data Signaling Rate (kbps) Digital Pattern Run-of-threes (percent) Output (dBm0) 16 DB492 0 −24± 32 DB54924AB6 0 −24± 16 FB412 30 0± 32 FDAA10255E 30 0±
Figure A-4. Interface Diagram for CVSD Converter
A.5.i(2) Conversion Speed When the decoder input is switched from the 0 percent run-of-threes digital pattern to the 30 percent run-of-threes digital pattern, the decoder output shall reach 90 percent of its final value within 9 to 14 μs. When the decoder input is switched from the 30 percent run-of-threes digital pattern to the 0 percent run-of-threes digital pattern, the decoder output shall reach 10 percent of the 30 percent run-of-threes value within 6 to 9 μs. These values shall apply to both the 16- and 32-kbps data signaling rates.
A.5.j. CVSD Converter Performance
The characteristics specified in subparagraphs A.5.j(1) through A.5.j(7) apply to one CVSD conversion process obtained by connecting the output of an encoder to the input of a decoder (see Figure A-4).
Figure A-5. Insertion Loss vs. Frequency for CVSD (16 kbps)
Figure A-6. Insertion Loss vs. Frequency for CVSD (32 kbps)
A.5.j(4) Variation of Gain With Input Level The variation in output level, relative to the value at −15 dBm0 input, shall be within the limits of Figure A-7 and Figure A-8 for an input frequency of 800 Hz ±10.
Figure A-7. Variation of Gain With Input Level for CVSD (16 kbps)
Figure A-8. Variation of Gain With Input Level for CVSD (32 kbps)
A.5.j(5) Idle Channel Noise The idle channel noise shall not exceed the limits shown in Table A-3 when measured at the CVSD decoder output.
Data Signaling Rate (kbps) Idle Channel Noise (dBm0) 16 − 40 32 − 50
A.5.j(6) Variation of Quantizing Noise With Input Level The minimum signal to quantizing noise ratio over the input signal level range shall be above the limits of Figure A-9 and Figure A-10. The noise ratio shall be measured with flat weighting (unweighted) at the decoder output with a nominal 800-Hz ±10 sine wave test signal at the encoder input.
Figure A-11. Signal to Quantizing Noise Ratio vs. Frequency for CVSD (16 Kbps)
Figure A-12. Signal to Quantizing Noise Ratio vs. Frequency for CVSD (32 Kbps)
This page intentionally left blank.