APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

SPEC-10029 Rev AP
July 2, 2012

APS Technology, Inc.

7 Laser Lane
Wallingford, CT 06492
USA
Phone:
Fax:
Email:

860-613-4450
230-284-7428
info@aps-tech.com

Copyright Notice
Copyright 2012, by APS Technology, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted into human or computer language, in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, manual, or otherwise, without express written permission of APS
Technology, Inc., 7 Laser Lane, Wallingford, CT 06492.

Trademarks
APS, APS Technology, APS Technology logo, APS Rotary Pulser, CheckShot, SureShot and FlowStat are
trademarks of APS Technology, Inc.

NOTICE: THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION OF APS

TECHNOLOGLY, INC. AND IS INTENDED SOLELY FOR USE BY THE PARTY TO WHOM IT HAS BEEN ISSUED BY
APS . ANY UNAUTHORIZED USE OR THE DISCLOSURE OF THIS DOCUMENT TO ANY THIRD PARTY WITHOUT
THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF APS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

Table of Contents
1.0 PURPOSE.......................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.0 REFERENCES................................................................................................................................................... 3
3.0 MWD PARAMETERS AND MNEMONICS......................................................................................................... 3
4.0 MWD TRANSMITTED DATA BLOCK FORMATS.............................................................................................. 5
4.1 FID Assignment Summary.............................................................................................................................. 5
4.2 Non-Rotating Directional Survey Data Transmission Formats........................................................................7
4.3 Non-Rotating Steering Survey Data Transmission Formats............................................................................8
4.4 Non-Rotating Drilling Diagnostics Data Transmission Formats.......................................................................9
4.5 Non-Rotating Gamma Directional Survey Data Transmission Formats........................................................10
4.6 Non-Rotating Gamma Steering Survey Data Transmission Formats............................................................11
4.7 Non-Rotating WPR Steering Survey Data Transmission Formats................................................................12
4.8 Rotating Gamma Ray Data Transmission Formats.......................................................................................13
4.9 Rotating Static Directional Survey Data Transmission Formats....................................................................13
4.10 Rotating Drilling Diagnostics Data Transmission Formats...........................................................................14
4.11 WPR Data Transmission Formats............................................................................................................... 15
4.12 Alert Data Transmission Formats................................................................................................................ 15

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

July 2, 2012
Page 2 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

1.0 PURPOSE
This specification describes the APS Technology Measurement While Drilling (MWD) transmitted data block
formats and format identifiers that are included in the MWD Format Table (APS part numbers 50023 and
50125). See the document Revision History for compatibility information on specific releases of the MWD
Format Table. Mud pulse telemetry (MPT) signal transmission encoding methods and their associated
preambles and synchronization pulses are not addressed in this document.
Data transmission formats are the transport mechanism used to transmit data from the down-hole MWD
system to the Sensor Interface Unit surface system. Therefore, the data transmission formats document
shall serve as a common foundation for both the down-hole MWD system and the surface system.
A data block can also be referred to as a payload. An example MPT signal data transmission format is as
follows:
Preamble or Sync Pulse(s)

Format ID

Data Block

2.0 REFERENCES
MWD Format Table, 50023
MWD Format Table, 50125
Gamma Sensor System Test Procedure, TP-10087
3.0 MWD PARAMETERS AND MNEMONICS
This section defines MWD mnemonics used in the transmitted Data Block formats. Table 1 contains the
MWD mnemonics, their descriptions and the data scaling required for MPT.
Integer data words must be unscaled. Floating point data words may be scaled using linear exclusive
scaling, linear inclusive scaling, unipolar logarithmic scaling, or bipolar logarithmic scaling.
Linear exclusive scaling is shown in the following algorithm:

( DataLowLimit )
+ 0.5
( HighLimitLowLimit )
if Result < 0: Result = 0
if Result (ScaleFactor 1) : Result = ScaleFactor 1
Result = ScaleFactor

Linear Inclusive Scaling is shown in the following algorithm:

(Data LowLimit )
( HighLimit LowLimit )
if Result < 0 : Result = 0
if Result (ScaleFactor 1): Result = ScaleFactor 1
Result = (ScaleFactor 1)

Unipolar Logarithmic Scaling is shown in the following algorithm:

ScaleFactor 1
log 10 (DataK1+ K2) + 0.5
K3
if Result < 0 : Result = 0
if Result (ScaleFactor 1): Result = ScaleFactor 1

Result =

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

July 2, 2012
Page 3 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

Bipolar Logarithmic Scaling is shown in the following algorithm:

ScaleFactor 1
log 10 (Data K1+ K2)
K3
ScaleFactor
if Data 0 : Result =
+ Result + 0.5
2
ScaleFactor
if Data < 0 : Result =
Result + 0.5
2
if Result < 0 : Result = 0
if Result (ScaleFactor 1): Result = ScaleFactor 1
Result =

Result is the scaled integer and all other numbers are floating point. Data is the input data value. The
constant 0.5 is added in the linear exclusive scaling to round the number to the nearest integer value. The
LowLimit and HighLimit values are specified in Table 1, and ScaleFactor may be inferred from the word
length (number of bits) specified in Table 1. For the logarithmic scaling, the coefficients are specified in
Table 1 as follows: K1 is in the Low Limit column; K2 is always equal to 1.0; and K3 is in the High Limit
column.
The scaled data words are transmitted most significant byte first and least significant byte last.
If the data value is not available (e.g., due to a sensor failure), the result will be set equal to the scale factor.
This value will be interpreted as No Data. For example, an 8-bit data word will have a range of 0 to 254,
and 255 will indicate No Data.

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

July 2, 2012
Page 4 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

Table 1 MWD Transmitted Mnemonics
Mnem onic

Des cription

Units

No.
Bits

Low
Lim it

High
Lim it

Scaling

Dis play
Res olution Pre cision

ATBHX

Attenuation Base (2MHz Long Spacing)

N/A

12

0.7

Exclusive

0.000171

ATBLX

Attenuation Base (400KHz Long Spacing)

N/A

12

0.7

Exclusive

0.000171

ATBSHX

Attenuation Base (2MHz Short Spacing)

N/A

12

0.7

Exclusive

0.000171

ATBSLX

Attenuation Base (400KHz Short Spacing)

N/A

12

0.7

Exclusive

0.000171

AZUX

Uncorrected Azimuth

Degrees

12

360

Exclusive

0.087912

BSPX

Battery Sw itch Position

Integer

N/A

N/A

None

BTX

Total Magnetic Field Strength

Gauss

1.2

Exclusive

0.004706

BXX

X-Axis/Channel Magnetometer

Gauss

12

-1.2

1.2

Exclusive

0.000586

BYX

Y-Axis/Channel Magnetometer

Gauss

12

-1.2

1.2

Exclusive

0.000586

BZX

Z-Axis/Channel Magnetometer

Gauss

12

-1.2

1.2

Exclusive

0.000586

FIDX

Format Identif ier

Integer

N/A

N/A

None

n/a

GFCX

Corrected High-Side Tool Face

Degrees

360

Exclusive

5.714286

GRSX

Base Gamma Ray

Counts/s 8

0.015417

0.816241

Unipolar log Variable

GTX

Total Gravity Field Strength

Gravity

1.2

Exclusive

0.004706

GXX

X-Axis/Channel Accelerometer

Gravity

12

-1.2

1.2

Exclusive

0.000586

GYX

Y-Axis/Channel Accelerometer

Gravity

12

-1.2

1.2

Exclusive

0.000586

GZX

Z-Axis/Channel Accelerometer

Gravity

12

-1.2

1.2

Exclusive

0.000586

INCX

Inclination

Degrees

12

180

Exclusive

0.043956

INCX(8)

Inclination

Degrees

11.20879

Exclusive

0.043956

MDAX

Magnetic Dip Angle

Degrees

12

-90

90

Exclusive

0.043956

MFCX

Corrected Magnetic Tool Face

Degrees

360

Exclusive

5.714286

PANNX

Annular Pressure

PSI

12

20000

Exclusive

4.88

PBORX

Bore Pressure

PSI

12

20000

Exclusive

4.88

PBV X

Pow er Bus Voltage

Volts

19.2

36

Inclusive

1.2

PDBHX

Phase Diff erence Base (2 MHz Long Spacing)

Degrees

10

0.408333

3.397940

Bipolar log

Variable

PDBLX

Phase Diff erence Base (400kHz Long Spacing)

Degrees

10

0.980000

3.397940

Bipolar log

Variable

PDBSHX

Phase Diff erence Base (2 MHz Short Spacing)

Degrees

10

0.408333

3.397940

Bipolar log

Variable

PDBSLX

Phase Diff erence Base (400kHz Short Spacing)

Degrees

10

0.980000

3.397940

Bipolar log

Variable

RTSX

Resistivity Tool Status

N/A

N/A

N/A

None

TANNX

PWD Annular Temperature

Celsius

-50

200

Exclusive

0.980392

TBORX

PWD Bore Temperature

Celsius

-50

200

Exclusive

0.980392

TDX

MWD Tool Temperature

Celsius

-50

200

Exclusive

0.980392

TRX

Resistivity Compensation Temperature

Celsius

-50

200

Exclusive

0.980392

VWBSX

Vibration Code (w hirl, bit bounce, stick/slip levels)

N/A

12

N/A

N/A

None

Note: (8) denotes reduced range and/or resolution; the parentheses are not included in the mnemonic.
Linear Exclusive Scaling examples:
INCX = 45.0 degrees; scaled value is 1024 (hex value = 0x400)
AZUX = 227.5 degrees; scaled value is 2588 (hex value = 0xA1C)
GFCX = 112 degrees; scaled value is 79 (hex value = 0x4F)
Linear Inclusive Scaling example:
PBVX = 24 volts; scaled value is 4 (hex value = 0x4)

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

July 2, 2012
Page 5 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

4.0 MWD TRANSMITTED DATA BLOCK FORMATS
This section defines the transmitted MWD data block formats and format identifiers. A format identifier (FID)
is a unique numerical code assigned to a specific MWD data block transmission sequence format. All
undefined FIDs are reserved for future use. Data block formats are used to transmit data from the down-hole
system to the Sensor Interface Unit surface system.
There are two format table part numbers: 50023 and 50125.

50023 is the standard format table, in use whenever there is no WPR tool in the MWD string, or
when a four transmitter WPR tool is in use.

50125 is the format table in use whenever there is a two transmitter WPR tool in the MWD string.

4.1 FID Assignment Summary

50023 FID Assignment Summary
FID

SURVEY ASSIGNMENT

Non Rotating
0-19

Non-Rotating Directional

20-23,26-37

Non-Rotating Steering

40-49, 54-57

Non-Rotating Drilling Diagnostic

100-113

Non-Rotating Gamma Directional

120-127,132-133

Non-Rotating Gamma Steering

200-207

Non-Rotating WPR Steering

Rotating
140-143, 147-149

Rotating Gamma Ray

160-162

Rotating Static Directional

90-93, 185-188

Rotating Drilling Diagnostic

218-229

Rotating WPR

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

July 2, 2012
Page 6 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

50125 (2Tx WPR) FID Assignment Summary

FID

SURVEY ASSIGNMENT

Non Rotating
0-19

Non-Rotating Directional

20-23,26-37

Non-Rotating Steering

40-45, 50-57

Non-Rotating Drilling Diagnostic

100-113

Non-Rotating Gamma Directional

120-127,132-133

Non-Rotating Gamma Steering

208-213

Non-Rotating WPR Steering

Rotating
140-143, 147-149

Rotating Gamma Ray

160-162

Rotating Static Directional

90-91, 94-95, 185-188

Rotating Drilling Diagnostic

230-239

Rotating WPR

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

July 2, 2012
Page 7 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

4.2 Non-Rotating Directional Survey Data Transmission Formats
Non-rotating directional surveys (DSNR) are preferentially acquired, from the directional sensor, when
the drill string is in a stationary and no drilling fluid flow condition. However, DSNRs can also be
acquired and transmitted while sliding or whenever the MWD tool is powered from a turbine alternator.
Table 2 contains the non-rotating directional survey data transmission formats. All directional sensor
data is acquired simultaneously for non-rotating directional surveys.
MWD parameters that are acquired within the same time frame and sensor are grouped into
MPT transmission cells in the data block. The FID is always included in the first MPT transmission
cell. In Table 2, individual MPT transmission cells are delineated by vertical lines placed between data
block parameters, as shown in the following example:
Cell 1
0
MFCX
AZUX INCX(8)
Cell 1 Time Stamped

Cell 2
BSPX
PBVX
Cell 2 Time Stamped

MDAX

Table 2 Non-Rotating Directional Survey Data Transmission Sequence

FID

MFCX

AZUX

INCX(8)

MDAX

BSPX

PBVX

GFCX

AZUX

INCX

MDAX

BSPX

PBVX

MFCX

AZUX

INCX(8)

TDX

BTX

GTX

MDAX

BSPX

PBVX

GFCX

AZUX

INCX

TDX

BTX

GTX

MDAX

BSPX

PBVX

MFCX

AZUX

INCX(8)

GXX

GYX

GZX

BXX

BYX

BZX

GFCX

AZUX

INCX

GXX

GYX

GZX

BXX

BYX

BZX

AZUX

INCX(8)

MDAX

BSPX

PBVX

AZUX

INCX

MDAX

BSPX

PBVX

AZUX

INCX(8)

AZUX

INCX

10

AZUX

INCX(8)

MDAX

11

AZUX

INCX

MDAX

12

AZUX

INCX(8)

MFCX

BTX

GTX

13

AZUX

INCX

GFCX

BTX

GTX

14

GXX

GYX

GZX

BXX

BYX

BZX

15

GXX

GYX

GZX

BXX

BYX

BZX

16

INCX(8)

GTX

17

INCX

GTX

18

INCX(8)

GTX

MFCX

AZUX

TDX

BTX

MDAX

BSPX

PBVX

19

INCX

GTX

GFCX

AZUX

TDX

BTX

MDAX

BSPX

PBVX

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

10

July 2, 2012
Page 8 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

4.3 Non-Rotating Steering Survey Data Transmission Formats
Non-rotating steering surveys (SSNR) are acquired from the directional sensor when the drill string is in
a non-rotary drilling condition (i.e., sliding). If a SSNR data block contains a MWD parameter that is
repeated several times (i.e., tool face), then each instance of the repeated parameter is derived from
the most recently acquired sensor measurements, after a specific acquisition time period. For example,
the following data transmission sequence uses FID 23 in Table 3:
Acquisition
Sequence
1
2
3
4

Data Acquired and Transmitted

GFCX AZUX
INCX
GFCX
GFCX
GFCX
End of Transmission

MWD parameters that are acquired within the same time frame are grouped into MPT transmission
cells in the data block. The FID is always included in the first MPT transmission cell. Repeated MWD
parameters are placed into new MPT transmission cells. In Table 3, individual MPT transmission cells
are delineated by vertical lines placed between data block parameters, as shown in the following
example:
Cell 1
23

GFCX

AZUX

INCX

Cell 2

Cell 3

Cell 4

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

Table 3 Non-Rotating Steering Survey Data Transmission Sequence

FID

10

20

MFCX

INCX(8)

AZUX

MFCX

MFCX

MDAX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

21

GFCX

INCX

AZUX

GFCX

GFCX

MDAX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

22

TDX

GXX

GYX

GZX

BXX

BYX

BZX

MFCX

23

TDX

GXX

GYX

GZX

BXX

BYX

BZX

GFCX

26

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

27

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

28

MFCX

AZUX

INCX(8)

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

29

GFCX

AZUX

INCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

30

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

TDX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

31

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

TDX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

32

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MDAX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

33

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

MDAX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

34

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

BSPX

PBVX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

35

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

BSPX

PBVX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

36

TDX

MFCX

AZUX

INCX

MFCX

MDAX

MFCX

MFCX

24
25

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

July 2, 2012
Page 9 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

FID

37

TDX

GFCX

AZUX

INCX

GFCX

MDAX

GFCX

GFCX

10

38
39

4.4 Non-Rotating Drilling Diagnostics Data Transmission Formats

Non-rotating drilling diagnostics (DD) are acquired from the VMM or PWD sensor when the drill string
is stationary. Table 4 contains the non-rotating drilling diagnostics data transmission formats.
Simultaneously acquired measurements are sent via MPT in the same transmission cell. FIDs 46 - 49
are for four transmitter WPR tools only and 50 - 53 are for two transmitter WPR tools only.
Table 4 Non-Rotating Drilling Diagnostics Data Transmission Sequence
FID

10

40

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

MFCX

VWBSX

MFCX

41

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

GFCX

VWBSX

GFCX

42

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

GRSX

VWBSX

MFCX

43

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

GRSX

VWBSX

GFCX

44

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

PANNX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

PBORX

MFCX

45

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

PANNX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

PBORX

GFCX

4Tx WPR
46

RTSX

MFCX

PDBSHX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

PDBLX

MFCX

VWBSX

MFCX

47

RTSX

GFCX

PDBSHX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

PDBLX

GFCX

VWBSX

GFCX

48

RTSX

MFCX

PDBSHX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

PDBLX

MFCX

PANNX

MFCX

49

RTSX

GFCX

PDBSHX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

PDBLX

GFCX

PANNX

GFCX

2Tx WPR
50

RTSX

MFCX

PDBHX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

PDBLX

MFCX

VWBSX

MFCX

51

RTSX

GFCX

PDBHX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

PDBLX

GFCX

VWBSX

GFCX

52

RTSX

MFCX

PDBHX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

PDBLX

MFCX

PANNX

MFCX

53

RTSX

GFCX

PDBHX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

PDBLX

GFCX

PANNX

GFCX

54

TDX

BSPX

PBVX

55

TDX

BSPX

PBVX

56

MFCX

PANNX

MFCX

PBORX

MFCX

TANNX

MFCX

TBORX

MFCX

57

GFCX

PANNX

GFCX

PBORX

GFCX

TANNX

GFCX

TBORX

GFCX

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

July 2, 2012
Page 10 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

4.5 Non-Rotating Gamma Directional Survey Data Transmission Formats
Non-rotating gamma directional surveys (GDSNR) are preferentially acquired, from the directional and
gamma ray sensors, when the drill string is in a stationary and no drilling fluid flow condition. However,
GDSNRs can also be acquired and transmitted while sliding or whenever the MWD tool is powered
from a turbine alternator. All MWD parameters are acquired within the same time frame and are
transmitted up-hole as an entire data block. Table 5 contains the non-rotating gamma directional
survey data transmission formats. All directional sensor data are acquired simultaneously for nonrotating directional surveys.
MWD parameters that are acquired within the same time frame and sensor are grouped into MPT
transmission cells in the data block. The FID is always included in the first MPT transmission cell. In
Table 5, individual MPT transmission cells are delineated by vertical lines placed between data block
parameters, as shown in the following example:

100

MFCX

Cell 1
AZUX

INCX(8)

MDAX

Cell 2
GRSX

BSPX

Cell 3
PBVX

Table 5 Non-Rotating Gamma Directional Survey Data Transmission Sequence

FID

10

100

MFCX

AZUX

INCX(8)

MDAX

GRSX

BSPX

PBVX

101

GFCX

AZUX

INCX

MDAX

GRSX

BSPX

PBVX

102

MFCX

AZUX

INCX(8)

TDX

BTX

GTX

MDAX

GRSX

BSPX

PBVX

103

GFCX

AZUX

INCX

TDX

BTX

GTX

MDAX

GRSX

BSPX

PBVX

104

MFCX

AZUX

INCX(8)

GXX

GYX

GZX

BXX

BYX

BZX

GRSX

105

GFCX

AZUX

INCX

GXX

GYX

GZX

BXX

BYX

BZX

GRSX

106

AZUX

INCX(8)

MDAX

GRSX

BSPX

PBVX

107

AZUX

INCX

MDAX

GRSX

BSPX

PBVX

108

AZUX

INCX(8)

GRSX

109

AZUX

INCX

GRSX

110

AZUX

INCX(8)

MDAX

GRSX

BSPX

PBVX

TDX

111

AZUX

INCX

MDAX

GRSX

BSPX

PBVX

TDX

112

GXX

GYX

GZX

BXX

BYX

BZX

GRSX

113

GXX

GYX

GZX

BXX

BYX

BZX

GRSX

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

July 2, 2012
Page 11 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

4.6 Non-Rotating Gamma Steering Survey Data Transmission Formats
Non-rotating gamma steering surveys (GSSNR) are acquired from the directional and gamma ray
sensors when the drill string is in a non-rotary drilling condition (i.e., sliding). If a GSSNR data block
contains a MWD parameter that is repeated several times (i.e., tool face), then each instance of the
repeated parameter is derived from the most recently acquired sensor measurements, after a specific
acquisition time period. For example, the following data transmission sequence uses FID 123 from
Table 6.
Acquisition
Sequence
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Data Acquired and Transmitted

123
GFCX AZUX
GRSX
GFCX
GRSX
GFCX
GRSX
GFCX
End of Transmission

INCX

Table 6 Non-Rotating Gamma Steering Survey Data Transmission Sequence

FID

120

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

121

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

122

MFCX

AZUX

INCX(8)

GRSX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

123

GFCX

AZUX

INCX

GRSX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

124

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

TDX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

125

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

TDX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

126

MFCX

AZUX

INCX(8)

GRSX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

GRSX

TDX

127

GFCX

AZUX

INCX

GRSX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

GRSX

TDX

132

MFCX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

MFCX

133

GFCX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

GFCX

10

128
129
130
131

134
135
136
137
138
139

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

July 2, 2012
Page 12 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

4.7 Non-Rotating WPR Steering Survey Data Transmission Formats
Non-rotating WPR data are acquired from the WPR sensor when the drill string is in a non-rotary
drilling condition (i.e., sliding). Tables 7 and 8 contains the non-rotating WPR data transmission
formats. Each instance of the repeated parameter is derived from the most recently acquired sensor
measurements, after a specific acquisition time period.
Table 7 Non-Rotating WPR Steering Survey Data Transmission Sequence, 4 Transmitter Tools
FID

10

200

RTSX

MFCX

PDBSHX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

PDBLX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

201

RTSX

GFCX

PDBSHX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

PDBLX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

202

RTSX

MFCX

PDBSHX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

PDBLX

MFCX

ATBHX

MFCX

203

RTSX

GFCX

PDBSHX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

PDBLX

GFCX

ATBHX

GFCX

204

RTSX

MFCX

PDBSHX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

PDBLX

MFCX

ATBLX

MFCX

205

RTSX

GFCX

PDBSHX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

PDBLX

GFCX

ATBLX

GFCX

206

RTSX

MFCX

PDBSHX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

PDBHX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

207

RTSX

GFCX

PDBSHX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

PDBHX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

Table 8 Non-Rotating WPR Steering Survey Data Transmission Sequence, 2 Transmitter Tools
FID

10

208

RTSX

MFCX

PDBHX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

PDBLX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

209

RTSX

GFCX

PDBHX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

PDBLX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

210

RTSX

MFCX

PDBHX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

PDBLX

MFCX

ATBHX

MFCX

211

RTSX

GFCX

PDBHX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

PDBLX

GFCX

ATBHX

GFCX

212

RTSX

MFCX

PDBHX

MFCX

GRSX

MFCX

PDBLX

MFCX

ATBLX

MFCX

213

RTSX

GFCX

PDBHX

GFCX

GRSX

GFCX

PDBLX

GFCX

ATBLX

GFCX

214
215

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

July 2, 2012
Page 13 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

4.8 Rotating Gamma Ray Data Transmission Formats
Rotating gamma ray data (GDR) are acquired from the gamma ray sensor when the drill string is in a
rotary drilling condition. Table 9 contains the rotating gamma ray data transmission formats. Each
instance of the repeated parameter is derived from the most recently acquired sensor measurements,
after a specific acquisition time period.
Table 9 Rotating Gamma Ray Data Transmission Sequence
FID

140

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

141

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

TDX

142

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

143

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

147

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

148

GRSX

GRSX

149

TDX

GRSX

10

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

TDX

BSPX

GRSX

GRSX

PBVX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

TDX

GRSX

GRSX

TDX

GRSX

GRSX

144
145
146

4.9 Rotating Static Directional Survey Data Transmission Formats

The formats in Table 10 contain the static directional survey data (acquired when flow was off). When
flow is turned on, it is necessary to begin rotation of the drill string before the non-rotating directional
survey transmission begins, in order to preserve the static data for transmission while rotating. If
rotation does not begin before the non-rotating directional survey transmission begins, the directional
data in these formats will be transmitted as No Data.
Table 10 Rotating Static Directional Survey Data Transmission Sequence
FID

160

AZUX

INCX

TDX

GTX

BTX

MDAX

BSPX

PBVX

161

AZUX

INCX

TDX

BSPX

PBVX

162

GXX

GYX

GZX

BXX

BYX

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

10

BZX

July 2, 2012
Page 14 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

4.10 Rotating Drilling Diagnostics Data Transmission Formats
Rotating drilling diagnostics (DD) are acquired from the VMM or PWD sensor during rotary drilling.
Table 11 contains the rotating drilling diagnostics data transmission formats. Simultaneously acquired
measurements are sent via MPT in the same transmission cell. FIDs 92 and 93 are for four transmitter
WPR tools only and 94 and 95 are for two transmitter WPR tools only.
Table 11 Rotating Drilling Diagnostics Data Transmission Sequence
FID

10

90

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

PANNX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

PBORX

91

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

GRSX

VWSBX

4Tx WPR
92

RTSX

PDBSHX

GRSX

PDBLX

PDBSHX

GRSX

PDBLX

TRX

GRSX

PANNX

93

RTSX

PDBSHX

GRSX

PDBLX

PDBSHX

GRSX

PDBLX

TRX

GRSX

VWBSX

2Tx WPR
94

RTSX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBLX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBLX

TRX

GRSX

PANNX

95

RTSX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBLX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBLX

TRX

GRSX

VWBSX

185

TDX

BSPX

PBVX

186

PANNX

PBORX

TANNX

TBORX

187

PANNX

PBORX

TANNX

TBORX

188

VWBSX

VWBSX

VWBSX

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

July 2, 2012
Page 15 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

4.11 WPR Data Transmission Formats
Rotating WPR data are acquired from the WPR sensor when the drill string is in a rotary drilling
condition. Tables 12 and 13 contains the rotating WPR data transmission formats. Each instance of the
repeated parameter is derived from the most recently acquired sensor measurements, after a specific
acquisition time period.
Table 12 Rotating WPR Survey Data Transmission Sequence, 4 Transmitter Tools
FID

10

218

RTSX

PDBSHX

GRSX

PDBLX

ATBHX

GRSX

PDBSHX

GRSX

PDBLX

ATBHX

219

RTSX

PDBSHX

PDBLX

GRSX

ATBHX

GRSX

PDBSHX

PDBLX

GRSX

ATBHX

220

RTSX

PDBSHX

GRSX

PDBLX

PDBSHX

GRSX

PDBLX

TRX

221

RTSX

PDBSHX

GRSX

PDBLX

PDBSHX

GRSX

PDBLX

PDBSHX

GRSX

PDBLX

222

RTSX

PDBSHX

PDBLX

GRSX

PDBSHX

PDBLX

GRSX

TRX

223

RTSX

PDBSHX

PDBLX

GRSX

PDBSHX

PDBLX

GRSX

PDBSHX

PDBLX

GRSX

224

RTSX

PDBSHX

GRSX

PDBLX

ATBLX

GRSX

PDBSHX

PDBLX

GRSX

TRX

225

RTSX

PDBSHX

GRSX

PDBLX

ATBLX

GRSX

PDBSHX

GRSX

PDBLX

ATBLX

226

RTSX

PDBSHX

PDBLX

GRSX

ATBLX

GRSX

PDBSHX

PDBLX

GRSX

TRX

227

RTSX

PDBSHX

PDBLX

GRSX

ATBLX

GRSX

PDBSHX

PDBLX

GRSX

ATBLX

228

RTSX

PDBSHX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBSHX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBSHX

PDBHX

GRSX

229

RTSX

PDBSLX

PDBLX

GRSX

PDBSLX

PDBLX

GRSX

PDBSLX

PDBLX

GRSX

Table 13 Rotating WPR Survey Data Transmission Sequence, 2 Transmitter Tools

FID

10

230

RTSX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBLX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBLX

TRX

231

RTSX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBLX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBLX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBLX

232

RTSX

PDBHX

PDBLX

GRSX

PDBHX

PDBLX

GRSX

TRX

233

RTSX

PDBHX

PDBLX

GRSX

PDBHX

PDBLX

GRSX

PDBHX

PDBLX

GRSX

234

RTSX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBLX

ATBLX

GRSX

PDBHX

PDBLX

GRSX

TRX

235

RTSX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBLX

ATBLX

GRSX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBLX

ATBLX

236

RTSX

PDBHX

PDBLX

GRSX

ATBLX

GRSX

PDBHX

PDBLX

GRSX

TRX

237

RTSX

PDBHX

PDBLX

GRSX

ATBLX

GRSX

PDBHX

PDBLX

GRSX

ATBLX

238

RTSX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBLX

ATBHX

GRSX

PDBHX

GRSX

PDBLX

ATBHX

239

RTSX

PDBHX

PDBLX

GRSX

ATBHX

GRSX

PDBHX

PDBLX

GRSX

ATBHX

4.12 Alert Data Transmission Formats

When a condition is detected which requires the interruption of normal MPT data transmission, an alert
FID is sent. Table 14 contains the vibration and RPM alert data transmission formats.
Table 14 Vibration and RPM Alert Data Transmission Sequence

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

July 2, 2012
Page 16 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

FID
80

10

VWBSX

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

July 2, 2012
Page 17 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

Document Revision History

REV
A
B
C

DATE
2004/02/24
2004/03/05
2004/11/18

AUTHOR
S. Gillotti
S. Gillotti
S. Gillotti

2005/01/07

B. Hall

2005/04/21

S. Gillotti

2005/09/12

S. Gillotti

2005/11/23

B. Hall

2006/02/03

J. LaRosa

2006/07/28

D. Mackeown

2006/08/01

B. Hall

2006/08/18

B. Hall

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

DESCRIPTION
Document initial creation.
Updated document

Replaced BPX with DFPX

Changed data scaling to support No Data encoding

scheme.
Added description of inclusive scaling and the No Data
scheme.
Add Gamma Ray sensor transmission formats and
mnemonic.

Removed ARUX, AZUX, GFUX, MFUX, and RBPX

Add BSPX and PBVX.

Remove + 0.5 from inclusive scaling equation.

Removed without battery packs as a requirement.

Change GRBX to counts

Change VMAX and VMLX to exclusive scaling

Change INCX (High) to INCX and change INCX (Low)

to INCX (8)

Split Down-hole Drilling Mechanics Data Transmission

Formats table into Non-rotating and rotating format
tables.

Add new FIDs: 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 124, 125,
126, 127, 142, 143

Update FIDs: 120, 121

Add cell transmission descriptions to Non-Rotating

Directional Surveys (DSNR) and Non-Rotating Gamma
Steering Surveys (GSSNR)

Removed FIDs unsupported by the MWD Format Table

50023R0103: 40-42, 60, 80-83, 90, 91.

Removed references to SWD.

Changed the high limit of GRBX.

Added AZUX mnemonic for uncorrected azimuth to

Table1

Changed Gamma (GRBX) scaling in Table 1

Changed all occurrences of AZCX to AZUX in all

Transmission Sequences

Set data transmit order to Toolface, Azimuth, Inclination

in all FIDs that have them

Added an additional MFCX and GFCX to FIDs

22,23,26-31

Moved TDX to position 5 in FIDs 30 and 31

Added FIDs 32 and 33

Added Section 5.0 Programming FIDs With Repeat

and Loopback

Added Table Of Contents

Section 4.1: Added Time Stamp above Table 2.

Section 5: Added notes to explain the Loop Back

function.

Added MFCX(4), GFCX(4), and GRBX(8) words.

Added formats 10, 11, 12, 13, 34, 35, 36, 37, 128, 129,
130, 131, 144.
Added formats 38, 39, 145.

FORMAT
TABLE (50023)
COMPATIBILITY

R0104

R0110

R0110

R0111

R0112

July 2, 2012
Page 18 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

REV
M

DATE
2006/11/20

AUTHOR
B. Hall

N
O
P

2006/12/20
2007/01/30
2007/08/15

J. LaRosa
B. Hall
B.. Hall

2007/11/28

B.. Hall

S
T
U

2008/03/17
2008/03/18
2008/06/11

B. Hall
B.. Hall
B. Hall

2008/06/12

B. Hall

2008/07/29

F. Thompson

X
Y
Z

2009/01/27
2009/03/06
2009/03/18

B. Hall
B. Hall
J. LaRosa

AA

2009/03/31

B. Hall

AB

2010/04/16

F. Thompson

AC
AD
AE

2010/05/27
2010/09/14
2010/12/02

B. Turner
B. Turner
B. Turner

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

DESCRIPTION

Section 4.5: Corrected description of rotating gamma

data.

Added section 4.6 and formats 160, 161.

Added formats 132, 133, 146.
Added formats 134 and 135.
Updated APS address and logo; added formats 110 and
111.
Added formats 14, 15, 112, 113, 136, 137, 138, 139, 147,
148.
Changed definitions of formats 20, 21, 24 and 25.
Modified definitions of formats 20, 21, 24 and 25.

Added VMAX, VMAX(4), VMLX, and VMLX(4) words.

Added formats 40 and 41.

Renumbered FIDs 40 and 41 to 180 and 181.

Added new formats 40, 41, 42 and 43.

Added new formats 200 - 212 to support Alert process
Added formats 16, 17, 18 and 19.
Modified formats 132 and 133.

Defined Vibration and RPM mnemonics in Table 1.

Changed X,Y, and Z vibration alert levels from 12 to 8

bits in Table 1 and corrected resolution.

Changed RPM max, avg, and min from 12 bits to 8 bits

in Table 1 and corrected resolution.

Added mnemonic for RMS vibration VRAX and VRLX in

Table 1.

Added Section 4.1 to show summary of FID allocation.

Added/modified FIDs 40 - 47, 180 183, 80 82, and

90 92 for Vibration and RPM.

Combined Tables 10 and 11 into Table 10.

Renumbered FIDs 200 to 202 to 80 to 82.

Renumbered FIDs 210 to 212 to 90 to 92.

Modified FIDs 22, 23, 34, 35, 36, 37, 124, and125 per
customer request.

Added FID 149 per customer request.

Deleted Section 5.0 since this is covered in the MWD

Interface Operators Manual.

Added a column in the Revision History to record the

revision of the MWD Format Table
Changed scaling high limit of RPMAVGX, RPMMAXX and
RPMMINX from +900 to +916 so there will be a scaled value
for zero.

Changed FID 145 to 184 and moved from Rotating

Gamma to Rotating Drilling Diagnostics.

Added new VMR FIDs to Rotating and Non Drilling

Diagnostics.

Added WPR FIDs.

Changed FIDs 134 and 135 to end with toolface instead

of gamma.
Added new FID 162.
Added PWD mnemonics and FIDs 52, 53, 186 and 187
Changed the range for WPR attenuation from 0 to 10 to 0 to
0.7

FORMAT
TABLE (50023)
COMPATIBILITY
R0113
R0114
R0115
R0116
R0117
R0118
R0119
TA120
TC120
R0120
TA122
R0122
TA121
TB121
TC121

R0121
R0123

R0124
R0126
R0127

July 2, 2012
Page 19 of 20

APS MWD Data Transmission Formats

REV
AF

DATE
02/07/11

AUTHOR
B. Turner

AG

05/04/11

B. Turner

AH

05/05/11

B. Hall

AJ
AK

05/18/11
06/28/11

B. Hall
B. Hall

AL

08/16/11

B. Hall

AM
Draft

9/22/11

B. Hall

AM
Draft
2
AM
AN

10/13/11

B. Hall

10/24/11
11/18/11

B. Hall
B. Turner

AO
AP

01/10/12
07/02/12

B. Turner
B. Hall

SPEC-10029, Rev. AP
APS CONFIDENTIAL

DESCRIPTION
Removed old vibration data words (VMLX, VMAX, VRLX,
VRAX, RPMMAXX, RPMMINX, RPMAVG, RPMDMNX,
RPMDMXX, VALLNGX, VAALNGX, VLVLAX, VIBXAX,
VIBYAX, VIBZAX, RLVLAX, RPMMAXX, RPMAVGX,
RPMMINX, ATIMEX).
Added new VWBS data word.
Removed old vibration FIDS (40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47,
48, 49, 80, 81, 82, 90, 91, 92, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184).
Added new drilling diagnostics FIDs (40 - 57, 80, 90 - 95,
180, 181).
Split FID Assignment tables into two: one detailing 50023
and one detailing 50125.
Removed AZCX, PMNANNX, PMNBORX, PMXANNX, and
PMXBORX data words from the list of transmitted
mnemonics.
Removed FIDs 182 and 183 from the tables in section 4.1.
Minor update to the data table in section 3.0.
Added FID 188 in sections 4.1 and 4.10.
Changed VWBSX data word from 8 bits to 12 bits.
Removed erroneous commands between BSPX and PBVX
in FIDs 54, 55, and 185 to comply with the format table.
Added Display Precision column to the data mnemonics
table.
Modified table in section 4.1 to remove discontinued FID
groups.
In Table 1, changed display precision of BTX, BXX, BYX,
BZX, GTX, GXX, GYX, and GZX from 3 to 4 digits.
Added description of logarithmic scaling.
Changed the definition of BSPX from 4 bits to 2 bits.
Changed the definition of GFCX and MFCX from 8 bits to 6
bits.
Removed definitions of GFCX(4) and MFCX(4) and of the
formats that used them: 12, 13, 24, 25, 38, 39, 128, 129,
130, 131, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 202, 203, 206, 207,
210, 211, 214, 215.
Replaced the definition of GRBX with GRSX, an 8-bit
unipolar logarithmic scaled word in counts per second. (All
FIDs that used GRBX now use GRSX.)
Removed the definition of GRBX(8) and the formats that
used this word: 144, 146 (128, 129, 130, 131, 134, 135
already removed as above).
Changed the definitions of WPR phase words PDBHX,
PDBLX, PDBSHX, and PDBSLX to 10-bit bipolar logarithmic
scaling. PDBHX and PDBSHX have a range of +/- 120
degrees, and PDBLX and PDBSLX have a range of +/- 50
degrees.
Added FIDs 202, 203, 210, 211, 218, 219, 236, and 237.
Release.
Renumbered FIDs 228-237 to 230-239.
Added FIDs 206, 207, 228 and 229.
Corrected 207.
Added FIDs 12 and 13.

FORMAT
TABLE (50023)
COMPATIBILITY
R0128

TA130
R0131
TA132

TC132

TA133

TC133
R0133
TC134
R0134
TA136

July 2, 2012
Page 20 of 20