pMDDL2450 wireless data-link product

The pMDDL2450 is a miniature OEM MIMO digital data link for the 2.4 GHz band, made by Microhard. It is a board-level radio module that carries Ethernet, serial and USB data between nodes, and it is used for wireless telemetry, video and control links on unmanned vehicles and other systems where size and weight are limited.

The radio uses 2x2 MIMO with maximal ratio combining, maximum likelihood decoding and low-density parity check coding, which are the techniques the maker credits for robust RF performance. The data rate exceeds 25 Mbps, enough for compressed video together with telemetry and control traffic. Total output power is adjustable up to 1 W, so the integrator can trade range against power draw and regulatory limits. The operating temperature range is -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C.

The link supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint topologies, and each unit can be configured as a master, remote, relay or mesh node. This allows simple air-to-ground links as well as networks of several vehicles, with relay nodes extending coverage beyond line of sight of a single radio pair. Range depends on antennas, installation and terrain, so a link budget should be calculated for the platform.

For integration, the module offers serial and USB ports and dual Ethernet ports configurable as LAN and WAN. Networking features include port forwarding, access control lists and a firewall. The unit is configured through a local console, telnet or a web browser, and firmware can be upgraded locally or over the air link. Optional 128-bit and 256-bit AES encryption is available, subject to the ordered configuration and export conditions. The product is listed in the standard model, a model with an additional order code for the SWP option and one for the ENC option, and a development kit and accessories are available.

Approvals and compliance listed by the maker are FCC, Industry Canada, Japan MIC, KC (Korea) and CE. Applications named on the product page are Ethernet wireless extension, wireless telemetry, wireless video and wireless control systems. In unmanned aircraft work, these correspond to command and control links, payload video downlinks and ground data terminals operating within line of sight.