Telecommunication Instructional Modeling System: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Electronic telecommunications device}}{{Infobox product

| image = [[File:EMONA TIMS301 w student.png
|thumb| caption = EMONA TIMS301 with student]]

| type = Telecommunications Training Device

| inventor = Tim Hooper

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}}

'''TIMS''', or '''Telecommunication Instructional Modeling System''', is an [[Electronics|electronic device]] invented by Tim Hooper and developed by Australian engineering company Emona Instruments that is used as a [[Telecommunication|telecommunications]] trainer in educational settings and universities.<ref>{{Cite journalthesis|type=Master's thesis |last=Sarfaraz |first=Maysam |date=2011-05-01 |title=EDUCATIONALEducational APPLICATIONSApplications OFof PARTIALPartial RECONFIGURATIONReconfiguration OFof FPGASFPGAs|url=https://scholar.utc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1052&context=theses|journalpublisher=Thesis from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite book|last=Silva|first=Mário Marques da|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A6x-DwAAQBAJ&q=emona+tims&pg=PT23|title=Cable and Wireless Networks: Theory and Practice|date=2018-09-03|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=978-1-4987-5154-4|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Conference|first=American Society for Engineering Education|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vmRGAAAAYAAJ&q=emona+tims|title=ASEE Annual Conference Proceedings|date=2004|publisher=American Society for Engineering Education|language=en}}</ref>

== History ==

TIMS was designed at the [[University of New South Wales]] by Tim Hooper in 1971. It was developed to run student experiments for electrical engineering communications courses.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Manfredini|first=Carlo|date=1987-06-012017|title=TIMS:Using Prize-WinningTelecommunication Instructional LearningModelling System for(TIMS) in Communications Systems Course|url=https://worldradiohistorypeer.comasee.org/hd2/IDXusing-AUSTRALIA/IDX/Archivetelecommunication-Electronicsinstructional-Australiamodelling-IDX/IDX/80s/EAsystem-1988tims-01in-OCRcommunications-Pagesystems-0096course.pdf|journal=ElectronicsAmerican AustraliaAssociation for Engineering Education|volume=Paper ID #18924}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Hooper|first=T. L.|date=1973-08-01|title=Telecommunications Systems Modeling in the Laboratory|journal=IEEE Transactions on Education|volume=16|issue=3|pages=96148–152|doi=10.1109/TE.1973.4320828|bibcode=1973ITEdu..16..148H|issn=1557-9638}}</ref> Hooper’s concept was developed into the current TIMS model in the late 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NJIT- EE495 : Introduction to Modeling with TIMS|url=https://web.njit.edu/~gilhc/EE495/TIMS.htm|access-date=2021-08-13|website=web.njit.edu}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|last=Breznik|first=Alfred|date=2004-01-30|title=Hands-on learning system for Wireless laboratory courses|url=https://peer.asee.org/hands-on-learning-system-for-wireless-laboratory-courses.pdf|journal=Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition|pages=9.658.1–9.658.5}}</ref> In 1986, the TIMS project won a competition organized by [[Electronics Australia]] for development work using the [[Texas Instruments TMS320]].<ref name=":06">{{cite journal |last1=Wierer |first1=Jay |last2=Chandler |first2=Edward |title=Analog and Digital Communications Laboratory Experiments Using Emona TIMS |journal=2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings |date=June 2011 |pages=22.203.1–22.203.12 |doi=10.18260/1-2--17484 |s2cid=54537460 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name=":7" /> Emona Instruments also received an award for TIMS at the fifth Secrets of Australian ICT Innovation Competition.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=Sticisce avstralskih Slovencev - Slovenian network in Australia|url=http://www.glasslovenije.com.au/aktualno/emonaAward2007.htm|access-date=2021-07-08|website=www.glasslovenije.com.au}}</ref>

[[File:EMONA ETT101.jpg|thumb|Student using EMONA ETT101]]

== Methodology ==

[[File:TIMS methodology diagram.jpg|alt=TIMS Methodology Diagram|thumb|371x371px|TIMS Methodology Diagram]]

TIMS uses a block diagram-based interface for experiments in the classroom. TIMSIt can model mathematical equations to simulate electric signals, or it can use block diagrams to simulate telecommunications systems.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite journalbook|last=Breznik|first=Alfred|date=2004-10-01|title=TIMS-301 USER MANUAL|url=http://ecelabs.njit.edu/ece489/misc/tims301_user_manual.pdf|journalpublisher=Emona Instruments Pty Ltd}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> It uses a different hardware card to represent functions for each block of the diagram.<ref>{{Cite journalthesis|type=Master's thesis|last=Purani|first=Abhilash M.|date=2010-04-23|title=ANAn EVALUATIONEvaluation OFof LOWLow COSTCost FPGA-BASEDBased SOFTWARESoftware DEFINEDDefined RADIOSRadios FORfor EDUCATIONEducation ANDand RESEARCHResearch|url=https://scholar.utc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1509&context=theses|journalpublisher=A Thesis Presented for the Master of Science Degree the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga}}</ref>

TIMS consists of a server, a chassis, and boards that can emulate the configurations of a telecommunications system.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sandoval|first=Jose R Santamaria|date=2020-04-01|title=Application of the EMONA TIMS platform for the Telecomunications Engineering career at UNED Costa Rica|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349042618|journal=Engineering Education}}</ref> TIMSIt uses electronic circuits as modules to simulate the components of [[Analog communication|analog]] and [[Digital Communications System|digital communications systems]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Khan|first=Muhammad Ajmal|date=2018-06-01|title=Enhancing Students' Lab Experiences using Simulink-based Pre-Labsof Corresponding Hardware-based Labs|url=http://people.cst.cmich.edu/yelam1k/asee/proceedings/2018/1/69.pdf|journal=Proceedings of the 2018 ASEE North Central Section Conference}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journalthesis |type=Bachelor's thesis|last=Sakovičs|first=Ričards|date=2019|title=Digital-to-analog and Analog-to-digital Converter Operational Research|url=https://nda.rtu.lv/en/view/24448|journalpublisher=Riga Technical University Graduate Papers}}</ref> TIMSThe modules can perform different functions such as signal generation, [[signal processing]], signal measurement, and [[digital signal processing]].<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":12" />

=== Variants ===

The block diagram approach to modeling the mathematics of a telecommunication system has also been ported across to other domains.<ref name=":4">{{Cite thesis|type=Master's thesis|last=Jeřábek|first=Josef|date=2008-11-02|title=Optimalizace telekomunikačního výukového prostředí|url=https://www.vutbr.cz/www_base/zav_prace_soubor_verejne.php?file_id=7588|publisher=Vysoké učení technické v Brně}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite book|last1=Veettil|first1=Binesh Puthen|last2=Payne|first2=David|last3=Bagnall|first3=Darren|last4=Cetin|first4=Ediz|title=2020 IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment, and Learning for Engineering (TALE) |chapter=Quantifying and Improving Student Engagement with Remotely Accessible Laboratory Project Hardware (RALPH) |date=2020-12-01|pages=714–718|doi=10.1109/TALE48869.2020.9368478|isbn=978-1-7281-6942-2|s2cid=229209526}}</ref>

=== Simulation ===

* TIMS-301, a basic communications training system capable of simulating modulation schemes such as [[Amplitude modulation|AM]], [[Frequency modulation|FM]], [[Phase-shift keying|PSK]], and others.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Wierer|first1=J.|last2=Chandler|first2=E.|date=2011|title=AC 2011-2298: ANALOG AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS USING EMONA TIMS|url=https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/AC-2011-2298%3A-ANALOG-AND-DIGITAL-COMMUNICATIONS-Wierer-Chandler/a994377561f2371366abb37c5803b92c26d590ca|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-08|website=semanticscholar.org|s2cid=54537460|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Sadat|first1=Ali|last2=Nasabi|first2=Mahyar|date=2008-12-01|title=Characterizing EMONA TIMS-301 Modeling System for digital modulations|url=https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/4958468|journal=2008 Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference|pages=1–4|doi=10.1109/APMC.2008.4958468|isbn=978-1-4244-2641-6|s2cid=27071775}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Kanmani|first=B|date=2013-12-01|title=Laboratory implementation of some analog and digital modulation schemes using single circuit|url=https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/6756376|journal=2013 IEEE International Conference in MOOC, Innovation and Technology in Education (MITE)|pages=399–404|doi=10.1109/MITE.2013.6756376|isbn=978-1-4799-1626-9|s2cid=39699352}}</ref> The TIMS-301 contains a system unit for fixed modules, which simulate amplification and [[electronic oscillation]], and 12 slots for plug-in modules, which simulate single function building blocks.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Duncan|first=Barry|title=Emona 101 Trainer Sample Lab Manual|url=https://tecnoedu.com/Download/Emona-ETT101-SAMPLE-LabManual-rev1.pdf|journal=Emona Instruments Pty Ltd|volume=1 and 2}}</ref>

Where the blocks are patched together onscreen to mimic the hardware implementation but with a simulation engine (known as TutorTIMS).<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":8" />

* ETT-101 Biskit, a simpler training system with fixed modules and more limited capabilities, suitable for introductory purposes.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite journal|date=2006-01-05|title=Emona 101 Trainer Sample Lab Manual|url=https://tecnoedu.com/Download/Emona-ETT101-SAMPLE-LabManual-rev1.pdf|journal=Emona Instruments Pty Ltd|volume=1 and 2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Chekichev|first1=Angel H.|last2=Shehova|first2=Daniela A.|last3=Lyubomirov|first3=Slavi Y.|last4=Asenov|first4=Stanislav M.|last5=Asparuhova|first5=Katya K.|date=2020-07-01|title=Research and Teaching of Line Coding Using OrCad and Emona Instruments Trainer in Engineering Education|url=https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9305105|journal=2020 XI National Conference with International Participation (ELECTRONICA)|pages=1–4|doi=10.1109/ELECTRONICA50406.2020.9305105|isbn=978-1-7281-7531-7|s2cid=231600871}}</ref>

* TutorTIMS, a simulation with [[Graphical user interface|GUI]] based on the same modular block diagram as TIMS hardware.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Josef Bc.|first=Jeřábek|date=2008-11-02|title=Optimalizace telekomunikačního výukového prostředí|url=https://www.vutbr.cz/www_base/zav_prace_soubor_verejne.php?file_id=7588|journal=Vysoké Učenítechnické V Brně}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=2014-06-05|title=LINKING THEORY AND PRACTICE USING TELECOMMUNICATIONS INSTRUCTIONAL MODELLING SYSTEM - TIMS|url=http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.854.564&rep=rep1&type=pdf|journal=Educational Alternatives|volume=12|citeseerx=10.1.1.854.564}}</ref> It contains the same features and modules as the TIMS tutorial system in virtual form.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Dobry|first=Lukas|date=2013-07-05|title=Digital Modulation inTelecommunication|url=https://dspace.vsb.cz/bitstream/handle/10084/98934/DOB0016_FEI_B2647_2601R013_2013.pdf?sequence=1|journal=Fakulta elektrotechniky a informatiky Katedra telekomunikacˇnı ́ techniky}}</ref> Like the TIMS-301, it can be used to simulate [[amplitude modulation]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=CHROMÝ|first=Erik|date=2013-11-13|title=Workshop RTT 2013 poprikonferencii Research in Telecommunication Technologies 2013|url=https://ktto.vsb.cz/opvk/rtt_workshop.pdf#page=25|journal=Stu Fei|isbn=978-80-227-4025-8}}</ref>

* netTIMS, developed to meet the requirements of distance learning. NetTIMS is hardware equipment controlled via a browser across [[Local area network|LAN]] or internet. Students can vary control parameters but cannot change connections except scope points for viewing signals.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book|last=Silva|first=Mário Marques da|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uXOmCwAAQBAJ&q=emona+tims&pg=PP1|title=Cable and Wireless Networks: Theory and Practice|date=2016-01-06|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=978-1-4987-4683-0|language=en}}</ref>

* netCIRCUITlabs, a cloud platform that is based on rapid-shaping FPGA technology. It was developed to provide remote access hardware labs in analog & digital electronics introductory courses.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Rumyancev|first1=Ivan A.|last2=Ivanov|first2=Mark A.|last3=Aivazova|first3=Margarita O.|date=2021-01-01|title=Multi-user System for Manual and Automated Online Measurements|url=https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9396707|journal=2021 IEEE Conference of Russian Young Researchers in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (ElConRus)|pages=1051–1054|doi=10.1109/ElConRus51938.2021.9396707|isbn=978-1-6654-0476-1|s2cid=233226815}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=2020-01-15|title=Electronic Technology Curriculum Reform Based on Teaching Experiment Cloud Platform|url=https://www.webofproceedings.org/proceedings_series/ESSP/IETRC%202020/IETRC20173.pdf|journal=2020 2nd International Education Technology and Research Conference (IETRC 2020)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Veettil|first1=Binesh Puthen|last2=Payne|first2=David|last3=Bagnall|first3=Darren|last4=Cetin|first4=Ediz|date=2020-12-01|title=Quantifying and Improving Student Engagement with Remotely Accessible Laboratory Project Hardware (RALPH)|url=https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9368478|journal=2020 IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment, and Learning for Engineering (TALE)|pages=714–718|doi=10.1109/TALE48869.2020.9368478|isbn=978-1-7281-6942-2|s2cid=229209526}}</ref>

* Freewire, used for remote access labs in introductory telecoms/wireless classes.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Electrical Engineering Research|url=http://www.marshall.edu/cecs/ee-ce-lab/|access-date=2021-07-08|website=College of Engineering and Computer Sciences|language=en-US}}</ref>

== External links ==

=== Remote access ===

* [https://www.emona-tims.com/ Emona TIMS] - Company website.

It can be used by multiple students at once across the internet or LAN via a browser based client screen. This utilises a statistical time division multiplexing architecture in the control unit. The method is applied both to Telecommunications and Electronics Laboratories (known as netCIRCUITlabs).<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Citation |last1=Manfredini |first1=Carlo |title=Multi-user Remote Access Hardware Labs for Wireless and Electronics Undergraduate Courses |date=2024 |work=Online Laboratories in Engineering and Technology Education: State of the Art and Trends for the Future |pages=499–518 |editor-last=May |editor-first=Dominik |url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-70771-1_25 |access-date=2025-03-13 |place=Cham |publisher=Springer Nature Switzerland |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-031-70771-1_25 |isbn=978-3-031-70771-1 |last2=Breznik |first2=Alfred |last3=Jordan |first3=Patrick |last4=Galli |first4=Carlos |editor2-last=Auer |editor2-first=Michael E. |editor3-last=Kist |editor3-first=Alexander|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

== V References ==

{{reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://www.emona-tims.com/ EmonaOfficial TIMSwebsite] - Company website.

{{authority control}}

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[[Category:1971 establishments]]

[[Category:Electronics]]

[[Category:Electrical engineering]]

[[Category:Telecommunications]]