OSSIE Software

Core Framework

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 0.7.4 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 2009. Instructions will be provided detailing any changes needed for porting components to the new release.

VMware images are available at and can be used to try OSSIE under Linux or Windows operating systems with the free VMware player.

Processing Hardware/Operating Systems Supported

OSSIE 0.7.4 runs on the general purpose processor of most PCs using a recent version of Linux such as Fedora Core 10 or Ubuntu 9.04. A release that includes enhanced support for embedded processors is planned for fall 2009.

Experimental embedded versions have been ported to the following platforms:

* TI 320C6416 DSP (Lyrtech SignalMaster Quad)
* ARM 9 (OMAP Starter Kit and Lyrtech small form factor SDR board)
* Marvell PXA270 (Gumstix Verdex XL6P)
* PowerPC (Efika board)
* PowerPC 405 (Xilinx ML403 board)

RF/Data Acquisition Hardware Supported

* Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) and current daughter boards (Basic RX, Basic TX, DBSRX, RFX 400, RFX 900, RFX 2400, RFX 1200 and RFX 1800). Not all versions of all boards have been tested. Email ossie at vt dot edu with any questions.
* Tektronix Test Equipment (loadable device wrappers for some equipment exist for OSSIE version C)

Waveform Workshop

This set of rapid prototyping tools allows users to create, run, observe, and control OSSIE signal processing components and waveform applications. The tools in the Waveform Workshop include:

• The OSSIE Eclipse Feature (OEF): This tool leverages the Eclipse open-source integrated development environment to provide a simple drag-and-drop interface for creating new waveform applications. It also provides GUI-based creation of signal processing components and autogeneration of skeletal code for interfacing with OSSIE and CORBA. In addition, OEF allows launching most OSSIE tools and applications from a GUI environment.

Component view in OEF

Waveform view in OEF

• The OSSIE Waveform Developer (OWD): This legacy tool provided much of the current functionality of OEF with a menu-based interface. OWD allows users to specify available devices on a given platform and to create the appropriate Device Manager profiles, and will be phased out once this capability is integrated into OEF.
• ALF, a visualization and debugging environment for OSSIE waveform applications. ALF allows users to launch waveform applications, display them in block diagram form, and inject and/or monitor signals at various points in the application. ALF can be used for remote execution and monitoring of applications. Multiple instances of applications or multiple applications can run simultaneously, resources permitting. ALF also provides the capability to package and launch OSSIE signal processing components as self-contained applications, and to interconnect components that are running as part of the same application or in separate applications.

Waveform block diagram and signal constellation in ALF

• The Waveform Dashboard (WaveDash) uses the SCA query and configure methods to allow users to interactively configure waveform applications at run time, from an easily-customized GUI. This combined with the monitoring capabilities of ALF provides real-time feedback to students and researchers. WaveDash also eliminates the need to invest time in GUI development for prototype applications. Users can interactively specify which components and properties are visible, and select the appropriate type of control (text box, slider, etc.) for each property.

Waveform controlled using WaveDash and displayed in ALF

Application Software

Components currently distributed with OSSIE include those necessary to build narrowband AM and narrowband or wideband 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 digital components are included beginning with version 0.7.3.

Waveform Applications Demonstrated

* AM Receiver
* Narrowband FM transmitter and receiver
* Wideband FM receiver
* BPSK/CVSD Voice transmitter and receiver
* CIREN cognitive radio with BPSK/QPSK/16-QAM modulated packetized data transmitter and receiver

Documentation

An Installation and User Guide for OSSIE is available. Laboratory/tutorial exercises for use in courses or independent study are being developed with the Naval Postgraduate School and are also available under "getting started".

Download

OSSIE source code is available for download here, as are VMware images, live DVDs, and other resources to help new users get started.