ABSTRACT
The payload transmits the data produced by the sensors to the operator's receiver. The payload's transmission system gives structure to the data transmission so that the receiver can synchronize itself to the transmitter and locate the individual sensor values. Traditionally, Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) telemetry systems have used a data structure known as a telemetry frame as the standard method for packaging the transmitted data when using radio techniques. This chapter examines the following issues common to all digital communications networks: terminology, synchronization codes, signal commutation, channel layer data packaging and bit waveform formatting. The transmitting node has a definite advantage over the receiving node in the data communications network. Even if the payload and the operator are the only two entities in the network, the transmitter's job is easier than the receiver's job. Telemetry frames are data link protocols designed to support Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) of sensor data over point-to-point link configurations.
