Overview of OSSIE

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Open Source SCA Implementation::Embedded (OSSIE) project is an initiative by Wireless @ Virginia Tech, an interdisciplinary research group at Virginia Tech, to provide a software defined radio (SDR) platform that is simple, easy to expand, and open-source for the development of waveforms based on the the Software Communications Architecture (SCA) specifications under the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) program as well as work by the Object Management Group (OMG).

OSSIE is primarily intended to enable research and education in SDR and wireless communications. The software package includes an SDR core framework based on the SCA, tools for rapid development of SDR components and waveform applications, and an evolving library of pre-built components and waveforms. In addition, free laboratory exercises for SDR education and training are being developed in cooperation with the Naval Postgraduate School.

The OSSIE project is written in C++ using the omniORB CORBA ORB, which is openly available. Current development is primarily focused on the Linux operating system, however we welcome reports from people trying to build on other operating systems, such as *BSD, OSX, Windows*, QNX and Integrity.

OSSIE implements key elements of the SCA specification. Backward compatibility will remain a priority as changes are made that enhance SCA compatibility. The 0.6.2 release runs on Intel and AMD based PCs. A release that includes enhanced support for embedded as well as PC-based applications is planned for fall 2008. Instructions will be provided detailing any changes needed for porting components to the new release.

The OSSIE core framework and tools, along with signal processing components, device interface software, and node configuration files for use with OSSIE here Current components include those necessary to build narrowband AM and FM receivers. The USRP is assumed as the RF front end, but the applications can be adapted to other hardware. In addition, a demonstration transmitter that generates a predefined QPSK signal, a component that simulates an AWGN channel with phase offset, and a QPSK receiver that counts bit errors are packaged with OSSIE. Additional components will be posted in the future. A VMware image is posted here and can be used to try OSSIE under Linux or Windows operating systems with the VMware player. A User Guide is also available, along with laboratory exercises developed with the Naval Postgraduate School.

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Vision, Mission, Values, and Goals

Vision
To become the default reference for SDR frameworks and the premiere research institution in Software Defined Radio
Mission
Our mission is to provide the simplest, most portable open source SCA implementation and rapid prototyping tools to support SDR education and research.
Core Values
Project Goals

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Capabilities

Processing Hardware Supported

OSSIE 0.6.2 runs on the general purpose processor of most PCs using a recent version of Linux like Fedora Core 8. A release that will run on embedded processors is planned for fall 2008.

Experimental embedded versions have been ported to the following platforms:

RF/Data Acquisition Hardware Supported
Waveform Applications Demonstrated

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History

2003
2004
2005
2006
2007

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