Datum Systems Releases Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum Waveform Software Upgrade to Modem Platforms

Mesa, Ariz., September 10, 2024--Datum Systems, a provider low size, weight and power (SWaP) satellite and Troposcatter modem products announces the release of Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) waveforms on the M7XC satellite modem and availability on the T7XC multi-orbit satcom and troposcatter modem platforms. 

Datum’s DSSS waveforms offer a high resistance to unintentional and intentional, adversarial jamming (Anti-Jam), provide a reliable communications link with a low probability of detection (LPD) and low probability of interception (LPI).  DSSS is also commonly used to reduce the overall spectral density of a signal, critically important for small dishes and electronically steerable antennas (ESA) for use in ground and maritime mobility, UAV and Aero applications.  DSSS spreads a narrowband signal over a wide bandwidth which greatly reduces the power spectral density in the frequency domain.  The signal can be spread well below the noise floor making it hard to detect and intercept.

Datum’s DSSS waveform

Datum’s DSSS waveform offers spreading factors from 2 to 256 with higher spread factors available.  Unlike other spreading waveforms which only offer 2^N spreading selections (ex: 2, 4, 8, 16), Datum’s DSSS offers integer spreading factors (ex; 1, 2, 3, 4 ..) which gives the operator far more flexibility by maximizing spreading over allowable BW for all user data rate selections.

The operator’s selection of unique orthogonal codes allows multiple DSSS signals to occupy the same bandwidth while providing signal separation and a further layer of intercept security.  Signals more than 25dB below the noise floor (<-25dB Es/No) are nearly undetectable yet provide error free satellite communications.   DSSS is software upgradeable and available on all new and fielded M7XC and T7XC modems.

Datum is an OEM manufacturer that designs, manufactures and sells modems to over 120 countries around the globe and has been operating since 1986.  Datum focuses on compact, efficient and feature rich products that can be used as standalone platforms in traditional fixed ground stations or readily integrated into mobile ground, aero, man-pack or maritime terminals.  Datum modems specifically target opportunities where sized weight and power are a focus (SWaP).  Our satellite modems are GEO, MEO, LEO and HTS capable, offering a large feature set, high efficiency and high throughput in a SWaP package.  Our troposcatter modems are often integrated into outdoor troposcatter terminals or radios, supporting high user data rates and robust diversity solutions for more reliable links.

Datum offers a wide variety of user interfaces and machine to machine APIs.  We work with our partners and customers to integrate our products into larger, complex ecosystems offering a complete end to end customer solution.