FrontEND Processor

RSI’s FrontEND is an off-the-shelf PC based front end tactical data link communications processor and data link forwarder. FrontEND allows one or more host systems to simultaneously participate on and/or monitor multiple data link interfaces.Control and status, graphics, and raw message data is translated into a common format and output over a LAN to the host system(s). FrontEND accepts system and link control data as well as track updates and track control data allowing the host system full access to,and control over,the interfaced links. FrontEND can use N-Series messages and protocol to provide the common interface or can be modified to accommodate our customers unique common interface requirements. FrontEND is highly configurable by utilizing RSI ’s Operational Core user interface package and then layering multiple tactical data link interfaces from RSI ’s Interface Package Library (IPL †). New customer application-specific requirements are easily accommodated.

  • Data Links
  • I/O Protocols and Standards
  • Datasheet
  • Link 16
    (MIL-STD-6016, STANG 5516, JTIDS TIDIP)
  • Link 11, Link 11B
    (MIL-STD-6011, STANG 5511, JCS Pub6)
  • NATO Link1
    (STANG 5501)
  • ATDL-1
    (MIL-STD-6013)
  • FAAD Data Link
  • NATO Link 14
  • USMTF
  • TIBS
  • Variable Message Format
  • Interoperable Data Link
  • Unclassified Data Link
  • Missile Battery Data Link
  • Lateral Tell
  • Forward Tell
  • TESS
  • ICAO
  • Forwarding:
  • Link 16 Link 11/11B
  • Data Translation:
  • IDL Link 11/11B, FDL, UDL, ATDL-1
  • Common Interface Standard:
  • N-Series Messages
  • RS-232
  • RS-422
  • RS-449
  • RS-485
  • EIA-530
  • EIA-530A
  • SCRAMNET
  • V.35
  • V.36
  • X.25
  • HDLC
  • ADDSI
  • TCP, UDP, Multicast

RSI's FrontEND is a turn-key, PC based data link communications front end system that uses ruggedized,commercial off-the-shelf hardware configurations for enhanced reliability and durability. FrontEND allows direct participation and monitoring of all configured data links using a common link interface to communicate with it ’s host system(s). Track, control,and status data are received and transmitted between FrontEND and it ’s host system through a common link interface, typically N-Series messages and protocol. FrontEND creates tracks in its track database from input host data and received track messages. External interfaces configured into the FrontEND independently scan the Track Database both on a periodic and on-demand basis to generate the appropriate messages for output. Message generation and processing is based on the requirements of the associated specification for each configured external interface (e.g. MIL-STD-6016B).Data received over a configured external interface is validated for errors and processed for automatic link responses (R 2 shifts,ID conflict processing, command processing,etc.).

A minimal user interface for system maintenance and installation is typically provided,however an extended user interface as well as single or dual display options are available. Extended user interface capabilities include pull-down and context specific pop-up menus which simplify definition of the tactical data link environment. Pre- defined world maps, standardized tactical symbology, user defined map areas, integrated satellite imagery and digital terrain maps (DTED) provide enhanced visualization.Extensive user-friendly controls including display and data filtering, functions,display zoom and offset, track histories,and allow operators to configure and use the tactical displays to provide optimal data visibility for situation awareness and analysis. FrontEND’s extended user interface is optimized for operational use and provides extensive automated functions and operator alerts for tactical conditions reported/detected for configured data links.

FrontEND is normally configured as a single workstation supporting multiple data links and interfaced via LAN to it ’s host system.The number of external data link interfaces supported by a single workstation is virtually unlimited. When more external interfaces are required, FrontEND can be configured as a distributed network supporting multiple integrated workstations and processing nodes. In this configuration, FrontEND provides distributed processing and operator controls while maintaining fully integrated situation awareness and data availability at each workstation. Additional processing nodes can easily be added when elements of the system are physically separated.Single and dual display options are available.