Integrated Microwave Technologies LLC (IMT), a business unit within the Vitec Group’s Videocom Division, and a leader in advanced digital microwave systems for MAG (Military, Aerospace & Government) markets, unveilsits CTx Ultra Compact SD COFDM transmitter at AUVSI 2012, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International's Annual North American Symposium and Exposition (Booth 2917).

IMT’s CTx is an ultra-small, low power, SD, COFDM, video/audio concealment transmitter with standard selectable modulation bandwidths of 6, 7 and 8 MHz. With a power consumption of less than four watts with a 14dBM output at both the 2.3- and 4.7-GHz bands, the CTx is easier to integrate into a concealment form factor. The CTx features H.264 SD MPEG-4 encoding and operates in the standard 2-k DVB-T COFDM mode.

“The CTx is specifically designed for the low-power concealment law enforcement market,” says IMT Divisional Chief Executive Stephen Shpock. “It features a 10-pin standard Molex interface connector making any OEM integration a snap. Users can install the CTx in places with lower airflow capacity. The CTx is controlled through a mini-USBand can be used in robotics and very small UAV applications.” 

The CTx can be operated in 1.25- or 2.5-MHz narrow bandwidth COFDM (NBCOFDM) modes. These modes use the RF spectrum more efficiently, permitting more transmitters to be used simultaneously or their useful range to be extended. Narrow bandwidth also delivers extended usable range with no additional power output required. This saves battery power and extends operational runtimes.

A video test pattern generator built into the CTx can be programmed to turn on automatically if video input is lost. The CTx also features BCRYPT AES encryption, preventing unauthorized viewing of the transmitted video.

“The CTx was designed to require very little setup and to be easy to use,” adds Shpock.  “All a user has to do is simply connect an antenna, apply power and video, and select a preset.”

The unit’s eConn Graphical User Interface (GUI) gives the users the ability to quickly change frequency plans, BCRYPT AES encryption keys and product naming. For advanced administration, a software package is supplied. This software package allows an administrator to configure up to 16 custom presets. These presets can store as much or as little information the administrator wishes. Access control permits the administrator to be fully confident that the end user cannot corrupt the configurations setup by the administrator.