(6/23/2011, updated 7/10/2011) OSSIE-GNU Radio Generic Component version 3.0 released
The OSSIE-GNU Radio Generic Component (GC) allows encapsulation and run time configuration of GNU Radio flowgraphs within OSSIE waveforms. The GC was initially developed by Duyun Chen, Garrett Vanhoy, and MaryPat Beaufait as part of an NSF funded research experience for undergraduates (REU) in Cognitive Communications (Grant number 0851400, Prof. Tamal Bose, PI) during the summer of 2010. The GC (videos here) is available on the latest OSSIE 0.8.2 live DVD and VMware image (along with other new OSSIE application code and GNU Radio 3.3.0) and as a tarball here.
(4/21/2011, updated 4/29, 6/23) OSSIE version 0.8.2 released
OSSIE 0.8.2 is available for free download. OSSIE is a collection of software that has proven useful for software defined radio (SDR) education, research, and rapid prototyping. OSSIE is used in reference implementations of the WInnForum's Smart Antenna and Transceiver APIs and in over 75 publications, theses, and presentations. OSSIE 0.8.1 applications and components do not require modifications to run with OSSIE 0.8.2. OSSIE 0.8.2 continues to support the Ettus USRP and USRP2 using libraries from GNU Radio. UHD-based USRP device, node, and applications for use with OSSIE 0.8.2 will be released separately. Source code, live DVD, and VMware images are accessible from http://ossie.wireless.vt.edu/?q=node/7. The live DVD now also includes the following:
- A ready-to-run AM/FM (narrow and wide band) receiver, launchable from a desktop shortcut, that uses OSSIE, the USRP1, and a custom GUI based on code by VT ECE graduate Brittany McNair and enabled by the WaveDash model and controller code
- The Liquid DSP library, an extensive C language library of PHY layer functions, including a flexible modem, developed by Dr. Joseph Gaeddert at Virginia Tech
- FlexFrame components and waveforms that use the Liquid library
- the OSSIE-GNU Radio Generic Component (GC), which allows encapsulation and run time configuration of GNU Radio flowgraphs within OSSIE waveforms
GNU Radio 3.3.0 is also included for use with the Generic Component, although only the USRP libraries from GNU Radio are needed if not using the GC.
OSSIE 0.8.2 includes the following updates to enhance usability:
1. The waveform visualization and debugging environment (ALF) tries to fi.nd a domain manager using a local naming service when ALF is fi.rst started. If a domain manager is not found using the local naming service, ALF presents a dialog box. The user can then specify an IP address for a remote naming service or start a domain manager locally using icons in the ALF toolbar.
2. The nodeBooter can now be started from either ALF or the waveform dashboard (WaveDash, a universal control interface for OSSIE waveforms) by clicking on the right most icon in the tool bar (monitor with triangle/arrow). This allows the user to choose a domain manager and a device manager. If using a domain manager that is already running, the domain manager can be deselected in the nodeBooter dialog.
3. The OSSIE Eclipse Feature (OEF) waveform and component development tool, version 1.1.7, available athttp://ossie.wireless.vt.edu/eclipse, supports multiple instances of a component in a waveform, on the same node or on different nodes. In previous versions multiple instances were all assigned the same instantiation ID.
4. OEF 1.1.7 supports multi-select of components, reducing the time required for multiple components to be added to a waveform or designated for deployment to a device.
5. An OSSIE preferences .file allows users the option to replace the default GPP license text with a license of their choice. It can be modified as follows from the Eclipse menu bar: Navigate to Window -> Preferences -> OSSIE ->License, then paste in new license text.
6. OEF now supports creating python components that use long, bool, and string properties.
7. WaveDash now includes two new views: a command line interface and an experimental HTTP server
8. The WaveDash backend now can run without X11, allowing automated control of waveforms without the need for a desktop environment.
(1/3/2011) SDR '10 demo features OSSIE/GNU Radio component, Beagleboard, UWB antenna
A demonstration at SDR'10 in December included an OSSIE Generic Component developed by Duyun Chen, Garrett Vanhoy, and MaryPat Beaufait as part of an NSF REU program. The component, which encapsulates a GNU Radio flow graph and can be reconfigured at run time, was demonstrated as part of a distributed receiver. Hardware used in the demo included a novel omnidirectional antenna that achieves approximately 5 dBi gain over a 46:1 bandwidth, developed by Taeyoung Yang of Virginia Tech's Antenna Group, an Ettus Research USRP-1, a Beagleboard OMAP development board, and a PC. Wireless@VT students Mike Ekoniak and Jeffery Wilson ported OSSIE to the Beagleboard.
(1/3/2011) Volos, Buehrer win MILCOM 2010 Best Paper award
Haris Volos' and Michael Buehrer's paper, “Robust Training of A Link Adaptation Cognitive Engine,” was selected Best Paper in the unclassified session at IEEE MILCOM, San Jose, CA in November 2010. Dr. Volos is a recent VT graduate and OSSIE developer and has joined Wireless@VT as a postdoctoral researcher, and Dr. Buehrer was co-PI on NSF Award #0520418.
(08/28/10) Version 0.8.1 of OSSIE open source SCA-based SDR software released
OSSIE 0.8.1 is now available for free download. OSSIE has proven useful for SDR education, research, and rapid prototyping, and is used in reference implementations of the WInnForum's Smart Antenna and Transceiver APIs. This has resulted in about 50 presentations, articles, and theses. OSSIE 0.8.1 provides enhanced support for distributed applications, and includes the following updates:
1. Components and Devices now accept SCA standard command line parameters.
2. ALF and WaveDash now both use the CF::FileSystem to query for available components and
applications, and can be directed to a remote naming service via command line argument or menu option.
3. Distribution of components across multiple nodes is significantly simpler.
4. The Core Framework now supports boolean, char, and octal component property types.
5. OEF 1.1.5 now supports node generation.
6. The Waveform Dashboard (WaveDash) now supports run-time update of component property values either immediately on changing a single property, or on a per-component or per-waveform basis.
OSSIE 0.8.1 continues to support the Ettus USRP and USRP2 RF front ends using libraries from GNU Radio 3.2.2. OSSIE 0.8.1 source code is available, as well as a live DVD. An extensive user guide contains installation and operating instructions. Free lab exercises developed with the Naval Postgraduate School support classroom or self-paced instruction.
(01/06/10) OSSIE version 0.8.0 available for free download
This release includes several enhancements including use of the Boost file system, elimination of the Xerces dependency, improvements to nodeBooter, a c_wavLoader utility for environments that do not include a Python installation, and an easier-to-use Waveform Dashboard (WaveDash) for real time control and configuration of OSSIE waveform applications. The popular Ettus USRP and USRP2 RF front ends are supported using libraries from GNU Radio 3.2.2. Source code for OSSIE 0.8.0 is available here, and a live DVD and VMware image are also available. A user guide contains installation and operating instructions and a series of laboratory exercises developed with the Naval Postgraduate School for classroom or self-paced instruction are provided for free download.
(07/10/09) OSSIE version 0.7.4 released
This release includes minor bug fixes, Wavedash support for compforms, improved connect tool functionality in ALF, the ability to connect to a remote naming service from within ALF, and a ready-made example of the Lab 5 AM Receiver waveform. Version 0.7.4 is available here.
(02/06/09) OSSIE version 0.7.2 released
This release includes minor bug fixes, fixes a problem with component generation in OWD and improves the start/stop capability in the TxDemo component. The improved TxDemo component is covered as an example for properly creating a data source component in the User Guide in Appendix D. Version 0.7.2 is availablehere.
(11/20/08) OSSIE version 0.7.1 released
This release includes the minor bug fixes, most notably one that enables the capability to run components as single-component applications in the ALF waveform application visualization and debugging environment. Version 0.7.1 is available here.
(10/20/08) OSSIE version 0.7.0 released
This release includes the OSSIE core framework and tools, with signal processing components, device interface software, and node configuration files for use with OSSIE, and is available here. The recommended operating systems for OSSIE 0.7.0 are Fedora Core 8, Fedora Core 9, and Ubuntu 8.04, but it can be ported to other versions of Linux. A VMware image is posted here and can be used to try OSSIE under operating systems supported by the VMware player. A User Guide is also available. Laboratory exercises developed with the Naval Postgraduate School for earlier versions are in the process of being updated for version 0.7.0.
(3/25/08) OSSIE version 0.6.2 available for download
The OSSIE core framework and tools, along with signal processing components, device interface software, and node configuration files for use with OSSIE are available 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. The recommended operating system for OSSIE is Fedora Core 7 or 8, but it can be ported to other versions of Linux. Also, 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 exercisesdeveloped with the Naval Postgraduate School.
(11/5/07) OSSIE-based solution wins Best Design in SDR Forum's Smart Radio Challenge
Wireless @ Virginia Tech's Team-MPRG participated in the first annual Smart Radio Challenge. The team's entry addressed the problem of dynamic spectrum access for first responders and was selected as the best design among the seven competing university teams. Three major aspects of the team's approach were demonstrated: a three-node ad-hoc network based on OSSIE and the Cognitively Intrepid Radio Emergency Network (CIREN) protocol developed by the team, a port of an experimental version of OSSIE to Lyrtech's Small Form Factor (SFF) SDR board, and a spectrum scanner implemented on the SFF board.
(9/18/07) SCA Technica ports OSSIE to Gumstix Verdex XL6P
SCA Technica, Inc. announced today that it has successfully ported [an experimental version of] the Open Source SCA Implementation - Embedded (OSSIE) for software defined radios to the Gumstix Verdex XL6P. OSSIE is an open source version of the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Software Communication Architecture (SCA).
(7/9/07) "SCA Component and Waveform Development: A Hands-On Tutorial"
A half-day session to be offered at the SDR Forum Technical Conference, Denver, CO, November 5-9, 2007. Several papers will be presented by the OSSIE team at this conference on topics that include embedded applications and waveform debugging.
(6/18/07) "OSSIE: a Tool for SDR Education and Research"
Presentation given by Carl Dietrich at the SDR Forum SCA Workshop, Portland Oregon.
(6/7/07) "Hands-on Introduction to SCA-Based Software Defined Radio (SDR) Education and Research"
Tutorial held at the Wireless@VT Symposium by Dr. Frank Kragh, Naval Postgraduate School and Dr. Carl Dietrich, Virginia Tech. All 18 participants completed introductory labs. Several were even able to build working SDR receivers within the allocated time. Donna Miller of NPS and Andrew Cormier of Virginia Tech provided valuable assistance.
(6/6/07) OSSIE Team Demonstrates 16-QAM transmitter and receiver at Wireless@VT Symposium
Carrier tracking and symbol synchronization were accomplished using a polyphase filter bank. Joseph Gaeddert led the development effort.
(6/6/07) OSSIE Team Demonstrates Distributed Embedded SDR at Wireless@VT Symposium
The radio, consisting of an OMAP, EFIKA PowerPC board, and USRP, ran a QPSK transmitter waveform.Philip Balister developed this radio and ported OSSIE to the ARM processor on the OMAP and to the PowerPC.
(4/9/07) OSSIE DSP Implementation in Military Embedded Systems
Carlos R. Aguayo Gonzalez, Francisco M. Portelinha, and Jeffrey H. Reed, "Part 1: Design and implementation of an SCA core framework for a DSP platform," Military Embedded Systems, March 2007.
(2/8/07) Packetized Data Transmitted and Received
Team members Joseph Gaeddert and Haris Volos demonstrated transmission and reception of packetized data using OSSIE. The data were BPSK modulated and two Universal Software Radio Peripherals (USRPs)were used in the demonstration.
(2/7/07) OSSIE Version 0.6.1 Released
We are pleased to announce that OSSIE 0.6.1 is now available. Bug fixes to 0.6.0 are included as well as support for new interfaces, and support for omniORB 4.1.0. A new library, SigProc, is now included in the distribution and includes bug fixes and enhancements to several existing components and will make future components easier to write. OSSIE and a set of sample waveforms are available as a set of tarballs (compressed archives of files that in this case include source code) which can be downloaded fromhttp://ossie.mprg.org/download/ The installation for 0.6.1 is the same as 0.6.0 except for the addition of the SigProc signal processing library. For 0.6.1, this library will be needed for some of the 0.6.1 components. 0.6.1 installation should not be attempted from the subversion repository (only from tarballs) as it is a collection of bug fixes which do not necessarily follow the main line of development in the trunk. Thanks to the OSSIE team for their work on this release and to our users for their feedback!
(2/7/07) NPS SDR Researcher Visits OSSIE Team
LT Upendra Ramdat, who is nearing graduation from the Naval Postgraduate School, recently visited the OSSIE team to discuss SDR research at NPS. LT Ramdat also demonstrated an IS-95B waveform that runs with OSSIE. The waveform, currently implemented as a baseband simulation, incorporates over 15 components in each the transmitter and receiver, and was developed using the OSSIE Waveform Developer and OSSIE version 0.5.0.
(2/5/07) OSSIE Tools Featured in Mobile Handset DesignLine
See the article: "OSSIE Rapid Prototyping Tools Help Easily Reconfigure Software Defined Radios."
(1/24/07) Digital Waveform Demonstrated
The OSSIE team demonstrated transmission and reception of CVSD-encoded voice using BPSK and two Ettus Research LLC Universal Software Radio Peripherals (USRPs). Joseph Gaeddert's contributions were instrumental in achieving this milestone. Transmission and reception of packetized data and improved symbol synchronization are planned.
(1/24/07) USRP Daughter Board Support
Thanks to Chris Phelps and Philip Balister, there is now OSSIE code to support most of the daughter boards for the Ettus Research LLC Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP). The code has been tested with Basic RX, DBSRX, RFX400, RFX900, and RFX2400 boards. RFX1200 and RFX1800 boards are being ordered to test the code, and support is also planned for the Basic TX, TVRX, LFRX, and LFTX boards.
(1/24/07) OSSIE Ported to Efika Board
Philip Balister has ported OSSIE to the PowerPC on the Efika board (see embedded SDR). The board is connected to a USRP using a PCI USB 2.0 interface card and initially ran a waveform that transmits random QPSK-modulated data. Mp3 online.
