RF Transceivers and Receivers Guide

A receiver only captures and processes incoming RF signals, while a transceiver can both receive and transmit. Lumistar's telemetry receiver systems, such as the LS-28-DRSM series, are dedicated high-performance receivers optimized for signal acquisition, diversity combining, and demodulation. Transceivers add a transmit path, commonly used in two-way communication or command uplink scenarios in aerospace systems.

An RF transceiver combines a receiver front-end and a transmitter in one device. The receiver path downconverts the incoming RF signal to an intermediate frequency (IF), filters it, demodulates it, and extracts the data. Lumistar systems use a 70 MHz IF stage, digital signal processing via Xilinx Virtex FPGAs, and software-defined radio architecture to support multiple modulation formats with high accuracy and reliability.

An RF receiver is a device that captures radio frequency signals, downconverts them to a workable IF, and extracts the encoded data through demodulation. Lumistar's receivers, including the LS-27-M and LS-28-DRSM series, support multi-mode demodulation formats such as PCM/FM, SOQPSK, BPSK, and QPSK, covering data rates from 1 kbps to 60 Mbps for aerospace and defense telemetry ground stations.

Lumistar RF receivers support a broad range of demodulation formats including PCM/FM, PM, BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK, SOQPSK, AQPSK, AUQPSK, Multi-H CPM, and analog FM video (NTSC/PAL). These formats are enabled via firmware license upgrades on most platforms, allowing customers to expand capabilities without purchasing new hardware as mission requirements evolve.

Lumistar RF receivers cover frequency bands from 200 MHz to 6 GHz, including P-Band (215–320 MHz), Lower L-Band (1435–1540 MHz), Upper L-Band (1710–1850 MHz), S-Band (2200–2400 MHz), NATO E-Band (2185–2485 MHz), and C-Band (4400–4950 MHz / 5091–5250 MHz). Custom frequency configurations are available upon request for specialized applications.

Yes. The LS-28-DRSM series is available in multiple form factors including rack-mount (1U–4U), portable IP-67 rated lunchbox enclosures, and a compact modular brick (6" x 4" x 1.67"). These form factors support ground, mobile vehicle, shipboard, and airborne deployments. The IP-67 rating ensures dust and waterproof protection for field operations and harsh environments.