Implementation of cryptographic algorithms for radio telemetry using LabVIEW

The objective of this paper is to discuss on the implementation of cryptographic security algorithms for radio telemetry using the graphical programming software from National Instruments known as LabVIEW. The telemetry system consists of a remote telemetry station (RTS) and base telemetry station (BTS) for acquiring and monitoring environmental conditions respectively. RTS setup includes a desktop computer integrated with a data acquisition system, 1200 bps modem and GP300 Motorola walkie talkie (see Ghodgaonkar, D.K. et al., IEEE Proceedings Malaysia Section 2nd National Conference on Telecommunications Technology, p.88-93, 1998). The BTS has the same setup as the RTS except that it does not have a data acquisition system. The walkie-talkie operating frequency is 477.1 MHz with FM transmission. A combination of One Time Pad (OTP) and Caesar Cipher cryptographic algorithms are implemented in order to safeguard the information from eavesdroppers. OTP was chosen because it is suitable for low bit rate data.