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CourseDefense, Military Engineering & Land Systems Applications open

ISO Standards Course in Drone–Ground Communications

Online 300-hour course on ISO standards for drone–ground communications. 6 modules covering STANAG 4586 (UAV control interoperability), ETSI EN 300 328 (2.4 GHz band equipment) and QGroundControl. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand the architecture of the link between aircraft and ground station.

02

Calculate the link budget at the physical layer.

03

Analyse command, control and telemetry protocols and messages.

04

Apply security and robustness measures against interference.

05

Interpret the applicable spectrum and certification regulations.

06

Experimentally verify the performance of the link.

07

Design the communications link of a UAS.

Profile

Who it's for

  • UAS communications engineer wishing to specialise in ISO Standards in drone–ground communications.
  • Radio frequency engineer wishing to specialise in ISO Standards in drone–ground communications.
  • Ground station software engineer wishing to specialise in ISO Standards in drone–ground communications.
  • Link security specialist wishing to specialise in ISO Standards in drone–ground communications.
  • Radio equipment certification technician wishing to specialise in ISO Standards in drone–ground communications.
  • Unmanned systems integrator wishing to specialise in ISO Standards in drone–ground communications.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the drone industry.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • STANAG 4586 (UAV control interoperability)
  • ETSI EN 300 328 (2.4 GHz band equipment)
  • RTCA DO-362 (C2 link)
  • ETSI EN 301 893 (5 GHz band equipment)
  • Directive 2014/53/EU (radio equipment)
  • Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 (UAS systems)
  • ISO/IEC 27001 (information security)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Link functions: command, control and payload delivery
  2. 1.2Separation between control link and mission data link
  3. 1.3Availability and control latency requirements
  4. 1.4Performance classes of the command link
  5. 1.5Assigned frequency bands and their regime
  6. 1.6Direct link and satellite link
  7. 1.7Mobile network links and their regulatory fit
  8. 1.8Standardisation bodies involved
  9. 1.9Sector vocabulary and acronyms
  10. 1.10Exercise: define the link requirements of an operation
  1. 2.1Modulation, coding and data rate
  2. 2.2Link budget and margin
  3. 2.3Antennas and radiation patterns
  4. 2.4Aircraft tracking and pointing
  5. 2.5Range, line of sight and obstacles
  6. 2.6Multipath and fading
  7. 2.7Interference and coexistence in shared bands
  8. 2.8Diversity and redundant links
  9. 2.9Field measurements and validation
  10. 2.10Practice: calculate the budget of a link
  1. 3.1Telemetry and command protocols
  2. 3.2Message structure and periodicity
  3. 3.3Flow control and command prioritisation
  4. 3.4Video transport and compression
  5. 3.5Acceptable latency for piloting
  6. 3.6Remote identification protocols
  7. 3.7Data exchange with traffic services
  8. 3.8Interoperability between manufacturers
  9. 3.9Communication logging
  10. 3.10Practice: specify the message set of a system
  1. 4.1Authentication and encryption of the command link
  2. 4.2Fleet key management
  3. 4.3Interference detection and response
  4. 4.4Protection against spoofing
  5. 4.5Behaviour on loss of link
  6. 4.6Automatic return and safe landing
  7. 4.7Link event logging
  8. 4.8In-flight link status monitoring
  9. 4.9Authorised robustness testing
  10. 4.10Practice: define the loss-of-link logic
  1. 5.1Licences enabling spectrum use
  2. 5.2Applicable radio equipment regulations
  3. 5.3Link requirements in operating authorisation
  4. 5.4Beyond visual line of sight flight and its requirements
  5. 5.5Unmanned traffic management services
  6. 5.6Link conformity testing
  7. 5.7Required technical documentation
  8. 5.8System maintenance and updating
  9. 5.9Obsolescence management
  10. 5.10Practice: link dossier for an authorisation
  1. 6.1Choice of operation and its requirements
  2. 6.2Technology and band selection
  3. 6.3Link budget and coverage
  4. 6.4Specification of protocols and messages
  5. 6.5Design of security and key management
  6. 6.6Contingency logic for loss of link
  7. 6.7Spectrum and conformity dossier
  8. 6.8Test and validation plan
  9. 6.9Technical report
  10. 6.10Project defence
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, which makes it possible to combine it with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is QGroundControl, MATLAB (Communications Toolbox), GNU Radio, Wireshark, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied through real procedures for calculating link budgets, range and link degradation testing, and analysis of telemetry protocols. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.

Accredited laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with OT cyber security, IHL and compliance as its pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Choice of operation and its requirements

Understand the architecture of the link between aircraft and ground station.

Technology and band selection

Calculate the link budget at the physical layer.

Link budget and coverage

Analyse command, control and telemetry protocols and messages.

Specification of protocols and messages

Apply security and robustness measures against interference.

Design of security and key management

Interpret the applicable spectrum and certification regulations.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

UAS communications engineerRadio frequency engineerGround station software engineerLink security specialistRadio equipment certification technicianUnmanned systems integrator
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of between 10 and 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.

The programme uses QGroundControl, MATLAB (Communications Toolbox), GNU Radio and Wireshark. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

An own diploma from SEIUM upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Please check the recognition policy when you enrol.

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