SIST EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1:2010

ETSI EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1 (2010-06)
European Standard (Telecommunications series)


VHF air-ground Digital Link (VDL) Mode 2;
Technical characteristics and
methods of measurement
for ground-based equipment;
Part 1: Physical layer and MAC sub-layer

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
2 ETSI EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1 (2010-06)



Reference
REN/AERO-00004
Keywords
aeronautical, radio, testing
ETSI
650 Route des Lucioles
F-06921 Sophia Antipolis Cedex - FRANCE

Tel.: +33 4 92 94 42 00  Fax: +33 4 93 65 47 16

Siret N° 348 623 562 00017 - NAF 742 C
Association à but non lucratif enregistrée à la
Sous-Préfecture de Grasse (06) N° 7803/88

Important notice
Individual copies of the present document can be downloaded from:
http://www.etsi.org
The present document may be made available in more than one electronic version or in print. In any case of existing or
perceived difference in contents between such versions, the reference version is the Portable Document Format (PDF).
In case of dispute, the reference shall be the printing on ETSI printers of the PDF version kept on a specific network drive
within ETSI Secretariat.
Users of the present document should be aware that the document may be subject to revision or change of status.
Information on the current status of this and other ETSI documents is available at
http://portal.etsi.org/tb/status/status.asp
If you find errors in the present document, please send your comment to one of the following services:
http://portal.etsi.org/chaircor/ETSI_support.asp
Copyright Notification
No part may be reproduced except as authorized by written permission.
The copyright and the foregoing restriction extend to reproduction in all media.

© European Telecommunications Standards Institute 2010.
All rights reserved.

TM TM TM TM
DECT , PLUGTESTS , UMTS , TIPHON , the TIPHON logo and the ETSI logo are Trade Marks of ETSI registered
for the benefit of its Members.
TM
3GPP is a Trade Mark of ETSI registered for the benefit of its Members and of the 3GPP Organizational Partners.
LTE™ is a Trade Mark of ETSI currently being registered
for the benefit of its Members and of the 3GPP Organizational Partners.
GSM® and the GSM logo are Trade Marks registered and owned by the GSM Association.
ETSI

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
3 ETSI EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1 (2010-06)
Contents
Intellectual Property Rights . 6
Foreword . 6
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 References . 7
2.1 Normative references . 7
2.2 Informative references . 8
3 Definitions and abbreviations . 8
3.1 Definitions . 8
3.1.1 Basic reference model definitions . 8
3.1.2 Service conventions definitions . 8
3.1.3 General definitio ns . 9
3.2 Abbreviations . 10
4 General architecture of VDL Mode 2 . 11
5 Physical layer protocols and services functional specifications . 12
5.1 Overview . 12
5.1.1 Functions . 12
5.1.2 Data reception by the receiver . 12
5.1.3 Data transmission . 12
5.2 Transmission procedure . 12
5.3 Modulation scheme . 13
5.4 Training sequence. 14
5.4.1 RF power rise time definition . 14
5.5 Physical layer Service Access Point . 15
5.6 Tuning range and channel increments . 15
6 VDL MODE 2 equipment requirements . 15
6.1 Receiver requirements . 15
6.1.1 Sensitivity . 15
6.1.2 First Adjacent Channel Rejection . 15
6.1.3 Rejection of signals within the VHF Aeronautical band . 15
6.1.4 Rejection of signals outside the VHF Aeronautical band. 16
6.1.5 Desired signal dynamic range . 16
6.1.6 Symbol rate capture range . 16
6.1.7 Frequency capture range . 16
6.1.8 Co-channel interference . 16
6.1.9 Conducted spurious emission . 17
6.1.10 In-band Intermodulation . 17
6.1.11 Cabinet radiation . 17
6.2 Transmitter requirements . 17
6.2.1 Protection of the transmitter. 18
6.2.2 Manufacturer's declared output power . 18
6.2.3 RF power rise time . 18
6.2.4 RF power release time . 18
6.2.5 Modulation rate . 18
6.2.6 Symbol constellation error . 18
6.2.7 Conducted Spurious emissions . 19
6.2.8 Adjacent channel power . 19
6.2.9 Wide-band noise . 19
6.2.10 Frequency Tolerance. 19
6.2.11 Cabinet radiation . 19
6.2.12 Load VSWR capability . 19
6.3 Transceiver timing requirements . 20
ETSI

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
4 ETSI EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1 (2010-06)
6.3.1 Receiver to transmitter turn-around time . 20
6.3.2 Transmitter to receiver turn-around time . 20
6.4 MAC sub-layer requirements . 20
6.4.1 MAC services . 20
6.4.1.1 Multiple Access . 20
6.4.1.2 Channel Congestion . 20
6.4.2 MAC System Parameters . 20
6.4.2.1 Timer TM1 (inter-access delay timer). 20
6.4.2.2 Timer TM2 (channel busy timer) . 20
6.4.2.3 Parameter p (persistence) . 20
6.4.2.4 Counter M1 (maximum access attempts) . 20
6.4.3 Description of MAC Layer Procedures . 20
6.4.3.1 Channel Sensing . 20
6.4.3.2 Access Attempt . 20
6.4.3.3 Signal Quality Parameter . 21
6.4.4 Services (Part of DLS) . 21
6.4.4.1 Error Detection . 21
6.4.4.2 Station Identification . 21
7 General requirements . 21
7.1 General . 21
7.2 Controls and indicators . 21
7.3 Class of emission and modulation characteristics . 22
7.4 Warm up . 22
8 Test conditions, power sources and ambient temperatures . 22
8.1 Test power source . 22
8.2 Test channels . 22
8.3 General conditions of measurement . 22
8.3.1 Receiver test signal arrangement . 22
8.3.2 Performance check . 22
8.4 Normal and extreme test conditions . 23
8.4.1 Normal test conditions . 23
8.4.1.1 Normal temperature and humidity . 23
8.4.1.2 Normal power sources . 23
8.4.1.2.1 Mains voltage and frequency . 23
8.4.1.2.2 Other power sources . 23
8.4.2 Extreme test conditions . 23
8.4.2.1 Extreme temperatures . 23
8.4.2.2 Procedure for tests at extreme temperatures . 23
8.4.2.2.1 General . 23
8.4.2.2.2 High temperature . 24
8.4.2.2.3 Low temperature . 24
8.4.2.3 Extreme values of test power sources . 24
8.4.2.4 Other power sources . 24
8.4.2.5 Performance check . 24
9 Detailed Test Procedures for the physical layer . 24
9.1 Receiver . 24
9.1.1 BER test . 24
9.1.2 Sensitivity . 26
9.1.3 First Adjacent Channel Rejection . 27
9.1.4 Rejection of signals within the VHF Aeronautical band. 27
9.1.5 Rejection of signals outside the VHF Aeronautical band . 28
9.1.6 Desired Signal dynamic range . 29
9.1.7 Symbol rate capture range . 30
9.1.8 Frequency capture range . 30
9.1.9 Co-channel interference . 31
9.1.10 Conducted spurious emission . 31
9.1.11 In-band Intermodulation . 32
9.2 Transmitter . 33
9.2.1 Manufacturer's declared output power . 33
9.2.2 RF power rise time . 33
ETSI

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
5 ETSI EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1 (2010-06)
9.2.3 RF power release time . 35
9.2.4 Symbol Constellation Error . 36
9.2.5 Spurious emissions . 36
9.2.6 Adjacent channel power . 37
9.2.6.1 Method of measurement for the first adjacent channel . 37
9.2.6.2 Method of measurement for the second adjacent channel . 38
9.2.6.3 Method of measurement for the fourth adjacent channel . 38
9.2.7 Wideband noise . 40
9.2.8 Protection of the transmitter. 41
9.2.8.1 Method of measurement . 41
9.2.8.2 Requirement . 41
9.2.9 Frequency Error . 41
9.2.9.1 Definition . 41
9.2.9.2 Method of measurement . 41
9.2.9.3 Limits . 41
9.2.10 Load VSWR capability . 41
9.3 Physical layer, system parameters . 42
9.3.1 Receiver to Transmitter turn-around time . 42
9.3.2 Transmitter to Receiver turn-around time . 43
9.4 MAC sub-layer . 45
9.4.1 MAC services . 45
9.4.1.1 Multiple Access . 45
9.4.1.2 Channel Congestion . 45
9.4.2 MAC System Parameters . 46
9.4.2.1 Timer TM1 (inter-access delay timer). 46
9.4.2.2 Timer TM2 (channel busy timer) . 46
9.4.2.3 Parameter p (persistence) . 47
9.4.2.4 Counter M1 (maximum access attempts) . 48
9.4.3 Description of MAC Layer Procedures . 49
9.4.3.1 Channel Sensing . 49
9.4.3.2 Access Attempt . 49
9.4.3.3 Signal Quality Parameter . 49
9.4.4 Services (Part of DLS) . 50
9.4.4.1 Error Detection . 50
9.4.4.2 Station Identification . 50
Annex A (informative): Bibliography . 52
History . 53

ETSI

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
6 ETSI EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1 (2010-06)
Intellectual Property Rights
IPRs essential or potentially essential to the present document may have been declared to ETSI. The information
pertaining to these essential IPRs, if any, is publicly available for ETSI members and non-members, and can be found
in ETSI SR 000 314: "Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs); Essential, or potentially Essential, IPRs notified to ETSI in
respect of ETSI standards", which is available from the ETSI Secretariat. Latest updates are available on the ETSI Web
server (http://webapp.etsi.org/IPR/home.asp).
Pursuant to the ETSI IPR Policy, no investigation, including IPR searches, has been carried out by ETSI. No guarantee
can be given as to the existence of other IPRs not referenced in ETSI SR 000 314 (or the updates on the ETSI Web
server) which are, or may be, or may become, essential to the present document.
Foreword
This European Standard (Telecommunications series) has been produced by ETSI Technical Committee Aeronautics
(AERO).
The present document is part 1 of a multi-part deliverable covering VHF air-ground Digital Link (VDL) Mode 2;
Technical characteristics and methods of measurement for ground-based equipment, as identified below:
Part 1: "Physical layer and MAC sub-layer";
Part 2: "Upper layers".

National transposition dates
Date of adoption of this EN: 25 May 2010
Date of latest announcement of this EN (doa): 31 August 2010
Date of latest publication of new National Standard
or endorsement of this EN (dop/e): 28 February 2011
Date of withdrawal of any conflicting National Standard (dow): 28 February 2011

Introduction
The present document states the technical specifications for ground-based equipment implementing Very High
Frequency (VHF) Digital Link (VDL) Mode 2 air interface, operating in the VHF band (117,975 MHz to 137,000 MHz)
with 25 kHz channel spacing.
Manufacturers should note that in the future, all or part of the frequency band 108,000 MHz to 117,975 MHz may
become available for aeronautical communications.
The present document may be used to produce tests for the assessment of the performance of the equipment. The
performance of the equipment submitted for type testing should be representative of the performance of the
corresponding production model.
The present document has been written on the assumption that:
• the type test measurements will be performed only once, in an accredited test laboratory, and the
measurements accepted by the various authorities in order to grant type approval;
• if equipment available on the market is required to be checked it may be tested in accordance with the methods
of measurement specified in the present document.
ETSI

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
7 ETSI EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1 (2010-06)
1 Scope
The present document applies to VDL Mode 2 ground-air digital communications using Differential Eight Phase Shift
Keying (D8PSK), intended for channel increments of 25 kHz. The VDL Mode 2 system provides data communication
exchanges between aircraft and ground-based systems. The scope of the present document is limited to ground-based
stations.
The VDL Mode 2 system is designed to be a Ground/Air sub-system of the Aeronautical Telecommunication Network
(ATN) using the AM(R)S band and it is organized according to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model
(defined by ISO). It shall provide reliable subnetwork services to the ATN system.
The present document provides functional specifications for ground-based radio equipment intended to be used for
ground-air data communications. The present document is derived from the following documents:
• VDL Mode 2 SARPs version 3
...

Final draft ETSI EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1 (2010-01)
European Standard (Telecommunications series)


VHF air-ground Digital Link (VDL) Mode 2;
Technical characteristics and
methods of measurement
for ground-based equipment;
Part 1: Physical layer and MAC sub-layer

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
2 Final draft ETSI EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1 (2010-01)



Reference
REN/AERO-00004
Keywords
aeronautical, radio, testing
ETSI
650 Route des Lucioles
F-06921 Sophia Antipolis Cedex - FRANCE

Tel.: +33 4 92 94 42 00  Fax: +33 4 93 65 47 16

Siret N° 348 623 562 00017 - NAF 742 C
Association à but non lucratif enregistrée à la
Sous-Préfecture de Grasse (06) N° 7803/88

Important notice
Individual copies of the present document can be downloaded from:
http://www.etsi.org
The present document may be made available in more than one electronic version or in print. In any case of existing or
perceived difference in contents between such versions, the reference version is the Portable Document Format (PDF).
In case of dispute, the reference shall be the printing on ETSI printers of the PDF version kept on a specific network drive
within ETSI Secretariat.
Users of the present document should be aware that the document may be subject to revision or change of status.
Information on the current status of this and other ETSI documents is available at
http://portal.etsi.org/tb/status/status.asp
If you find errors in the present document, please send your comment to one of the following services:
http://portal.etsi.org/chaircor/ETSI_support.asp
Copyright Notification
No part may be reproduced except as authorized by written permission.
The copyright and the foregoing restriction extend to reproduction in all media.

© European Telecommunications Standards Institute 2010.
All rights reserved.

TM TM TM TM
DECT , PLUGTESTS , UMTS , TIPHON , the TIPHON logo and the ETSI logo are Trade Marks of ETSI registered
for the benefit of its Members.
TM
3GPP is a Trade Mark of ETSI registered for the benefit of its Members and of the 3GPP Organizational Partners.
LTE™ is a Trade Mark of ETSI currently being registered
for the benefit of its Members and of the 3GPP Organizational Partners.
GSM® and the GSM logo are Trade Marks registered and owned by the GSM Association.
ETSI

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
3 Final draft ETSI EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1 (2010-01)
Contents
Intellectual Property Rights . 6
Foreword . 6
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 References . 7
2.1 Normative references . 7
2.2 Informative references . 8
3 Definitions and abbreviations . 8
3.1 Definitions . 8
3.1.1 Basic reference model definitions . 8
3.1.2 Service conventions definitions . 9
3.1.3 General definitio ns . 9
3.2 Abbreviations . 10
4 General architecture of VDL Mode 2 . 11
5 Physical layer protocols and services functional specifications . 12
5.1 Overview . 12
5.1.1 Functions . 12
5.1.2 Data reception by the receiver . 12
5.1.3 Data transmission . 12
5.2 Transmission procedure . 12
5.3 Modulation scheme . 13
5.4 Training sequence. 13
5.4.1 RF power rise time definition . 14
5.5 Physical layer Service Access Point . 14
5.6 Tuning range and channel increments . 15
6 VDL MODE 2 equipment requirements . 15
6.1 Receiver requirements . 15
6.1.1 Sensitivity . 15
6.1.2 First Adjacent Channel Rejection . 15
6.1.3 Rejection of signals within the VHF Aeronautical band . 15
6.1.4 Rejection of signals outside the VHF Aeronautical band. 16
6.1.5 Desired signal dynamic range . 16
6.1.6 Symbol rate capture range . 16
6.1.7 Frequency capture range . 16
6.1.8 Co-channel interference . 16
6.1.9 Conducted spurious emission . 17
6.1.10 In-band Intermodulation . 17
6.1.11 Cabinet radiation . 17
6.2 Transmitter requirements . 17
6.2.1 Protection of the transmitter. 18
6.2.2 Manufacturer's declared output power . 18
6.2.3 RF power rise time . 18
6.2.4 RF power release time . 18
6.2.5 Modulation rate . 18
6.2.6 Symbol constellation error . 18
6.2.7 Conducted Spurious emissions . 19
6.2.8 Adjacent channel power . 19
6.2.9 Wide-band noise . 19
6.2.10 Frequency Tolerance. 19
6.2.11 Cabinet radiation . 19
6.2.12 Load VSWR capability . 19
6.3 Transceiver timing requirements . 20
ETSI

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
4 Final draft ETSI EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1 (2010-01)
6.3.1 Receiver to transmitter turn-around time . 20
6.3.2 Transmitter to receiver turn-around time . 20
6.4 MAC sub-layer requirements . 20
6.4.1 MAC services . 20
6.4.1.1 Multiple Access . 20
6.4.1.2 Channel Congestion . 20
6.4.2 MAC System Parameters . 20
6.4.2.1 Timer TM1 (inter-access delay timer). 20
6.4.2.2 Timer TM2 (channel busy timer) . 20
6.4.2.3 Parameter p (persistence) . 20
6.4.2.4 Counter M1 (maximum access attempts) . 20
6.4.3 Description of MAC Layer Procedures . 20
6.4.3.1 Channel Sensing . 20
6.4.3.2 Access Attempt . 20
6.4.3.3 Signal Quality Parameter . 21
6.4.4 Services (Part of DLS) . 21
6.4.4.1 Error Detection . 21
6.4.4.2 Station Identification . 21
7 General requirements . 21
7.1 General . 21
7.2 Controls and indicators . 21
7.3 Class of emission and modulation characteristics . 22
7.4 Warm up . 22
8 Test conditions, power sources and ambient temperatures . 22
8.1 Test power source . 22
8.2 Test channels . 22
8.3 General conditions of measurement . 22
8.3.1 Receiver test signal arrangement . 22
8.3.2 Performance check . 22
8.4 Normal and extreme test conditions . 23
8.4.1 Normal test conditions . 23
8.4.1.1 Normal temperature and humidity . 23
8.4.1.2 Normal power sources . 23
8.4.1.2.1 Mains voltage and frequency . 23
8.4.1.2.2 Other power sources . 23
8.4.2 Extreme test conditions . 23
8.4.2.1 Extreme temperatures . 23
8.4.2.2 Procedure for tests at extreme temperatures . 23
8.4.2.2.1 General . 23
8.4.2.2.2 High temperature . 24
8.4.2.2.3 Low temperature . 24
8.4.2.3 Extreme values of test power sources . 24
8.4.2.4 Other power sources . 24
8.4.2.5 Performance check . 24
9 Detailed Test Procedures for the physical layer . 24
9.1 Receiver . 24
9.1.1 BER test . 24
9.1.2 Sensitivity . 26
9.1.3 First Adjacent Channel Rejection . 27
9.1.4 Rejection of signals within the VHF Aeronautical band . 27
9.1.5 Rejection of signals outside the VHF Aeronautical band. 28
9.1.6 Desired Signal dynamic range . 29
9.1.7 Symbol rate capture range . 30
9.1.8 Frequency capture range . 30
9.1.9 Co-channel interference . 31
9.1.10 Conducted spurious emission . 31
9.1.11 In-band Intermodulation . 32
9.2 Transmitter . 33
9.2.1 Manufacturer's declared output power . 33
9.2.2 RF power rise time . 33
ETSI

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
5 Final draft ETSI EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1 (2010-01)
9.2.3 RF power release time . 35
9.2.4 Symbol Constellation Error . 36
9.2.5 Spurious emissions . 36
9.2.6 Adjacent channel power . 37
9.2.6.1 Method of measurement for the first adjacent channel . 37
9.2.6.2 Method of measurement for the second adjacent channel . 38
9.2.6.3 Method of measurement for the fourth adjacent channel . 38
9.2.7 Wideband noise . 40
9.2.8 Protection of the transmitter. 41
9.2.8.1 Method of measurement . 41
9.2.8.2 Requirement . 41
9.2.9 Frequency Error . 41
9.2.9.1 Definition . 41
9.2.9.2 Method of measurement . 41
9.2.9.3 Limits . 41
9.2.10 Load VSWR capability . 41
9.3 Physical layer, system parameters . 42
9.3.1 Receiver to Transmitter turn-around time . 42
9.3.2 Transmitter to Receiver turn-around time . 43
9.4 MAC sub-layer . 45
9.4.1 MAC services . 45
9.4.1.1 Multiple Access . 45
9.4.1.2 Channel Congestion . 45
9.4.2 MAC System Parameters . 46
9.4.2.1 Timer TM1 (inter-access delay timer). 46
9.4.2.2 Timer TM2 (channel busy timer) . 46
9.4.2.3 Parameter p (persistence) . 47
9.4.2.4 Counter M1 (maximum access attempts) . 48
9.4.3 Description of MAC Layer Procedures . 49
9.4.3.1 Channel Sensing . 49
9.4.3.2 Access Attempt . 49
9.4.3.3 Signal Quality Parameter . 49
9.4.4 Services (Part of DLS) . 50
9.4.4.1 Error Detection . 50
9.4.4.2 Station Identification . 50
Annex A (informative): Bibliography . 52
History . 53

ETSI

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
6 Final draft ETSI EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1 (2010-01)
Intellectual Property Rights
IPRs essential or potentially essential to the present document may have been declared to ETSI. The information
pertaining to these essential IPRs, if any, is publicly available for ETSI members and non-members, and can be found
in ETSI SR 000 314: "Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs); Essential, or potentially Essential, IPRs notified to ETSI in
respect of ETSI standards", which is available from the ETSI Secretariat. Latest updates are available on the ETSI Web
server (http://webapp.etsi.org/IPR/home.asp).
Pursuant to the ETSI IPR Policy, no investigation, including IPR searches, has been carried out by ETSI. No guarantee
can be given as to the existence of other IPRs not referenced in ETSI SR 000 314 (or the updates on the ETSI Web
server) which are, or may be, or may become, essential to the present document.
Foreword
This European Standard (Telecommunications series) has been produced by ETSI Technical Committee Aeronautics
(AERO), and is now submitted for the ETSI standards One-step Approval Procedure.
The present document is part 1 of a multi-part deliverable covering VHF air-ground Digital Link (VDL) Mode 2;
Technical characteristics and methods of measurement for ground-based equipment, as identified below:
Part 1: "Physical layer and MAC sub-layer";
Part 2: "Upper layers".

Proposed national transposition dates
Date of latest announcement of this EN (doa): 3 months after ETSI publication
Date of latest publication of new National Standard
or endorsement of this EN (dop/e): 6 months after doa
Date of withdrawal of any conflicting National Standard (dow): 6 months after doa

Introduction
The present document states the technical specifications for ground-based equipment implementing Very High
Frequency (VHF) Digital Link (VDL) Mode 2 air interface, operating in the VHF band (117,975 MHz to 137,000 MHz)
with 25 kHz channel spacing.
Manufacturers should note that in the future, all or part of the frequency band 108,000 MHz to 117,975 MHz may
become available for aeronautical communications.
The present document may be used to produce tests for the assessment of the performance of the equipment. The
performance of the equipment submitted for type testing should be representative of the performance of the
corresponding production model.
The present document has been written on the assumption that:
- the type test measurements will be performed only once, in an accredited test laboratory, and the
measurements accepted by the various authorities in order to grant type approval;
- if equipment available on the market is required to be checked it may be tested in accordance with the methods
of measurement specified in the present document.
ETSI

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
7 Final draft ETSI EN 301 841-1 V1.3.1 (2010-01)
1 Scope
The present document applies to VDL Mode 2 ground-air digital communications using Differential Eight Phase Shift
Keying (D8PSK), intended for channel increments of 25 kHz. The VDL Mode 2 system provides data communication
exchanges between aircraft and ground-based systems. The scope of the present document is limited to ground-based
stations.
The VDL Mode 2 system is designed to be a Ground/Air sub-system of the Aeronautical Telecommunication Network
(ATN) using the AM(R)S band and it is organized according to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model
(defined by ISO). It shall provide reliable subnetwork services to the ATN system.
The present document provides functional specifications for ground-based radio equipment inten
...