A new RF system platform has been introduced that is user configurable and easily adapted to meet many of today’s military and commercial requirements. The PET-VI features a six-inch color LCD touch-screen display that facilitates easy system control and configuration.
The platform consists of three plug-and-play field-replaceable modules comprised of a power supply module, computer module and an RF module.
Examples of applications for this configurable RF system include airborne RF distribution units, broadband switch matrices, and RF attenuation featuring internal computer-controlled linearization and touch-screen attenuation selection. The PET-VI System Platform is also ideal for use as state-of-the-art up- and down-converters with integrated options such as linearized attenuation features and others. In addition, the system can be configured as a high speed frequency synthesizer or a log amplifier with touch-screen log slope selection. With a multitude of RF functions within its capability, the PET-VI RF module can be set up to meet many different RF functions.
The PET-VI system is housed in an airborne ruggedized 19" rack mount chassis, 6U high and 18" deep. It includes a six-inch LCD touch-screen display embedded in the front panel and a compact flash port. All RF input and output connectors are located on the top side of the enclosure. The three individual modules can be extracted from the rear of the assembly.
Cooling fans with speed sensors are mounted on the rear of the RF module and draw cooling air through the module through shielded air filters mounted in two ports on the front face.
The RF module features internal temperature monitoring and over-temperature conditions are displayed on the front panel. The cooling fan speeds are also monitored and fan failures are displayed on the front panel as well. In addition, every RF component is current monitored for failure feedback and any failure of an RF component is displayed on the front panel.
The internal computer module is comprised of an ARCOM SBC-GX533 400 MHz single-board computer featuring an AMD Geode GX processor. The computer utilizes a Linux or Windows CE operating system. Compact flash memory contains all of the boot up and operation software and can be easily removed from the system for security purposes. The unit’s software interface is compatible with RS-232-C, RS-422, RS-485, PECL, TTL and Ethernet protocols.
The plug-and-play modular design easily permits in-the-field repairs and flexibility for custom configurations. The power supply module can contain any required power supply, the computer module can be switched in minutes and the RF module can contain any set of RF components required.
Up to 320 individual control lines can be accommodated. RF input and output connectors are SMA or QMA connectors, but other connector types can be accommodated. Figure 1 shows the PET-VI System Platform front view and Figure 2 shows its rear view.
The new PET-VI System Platform is a truly versatile RF system capable of providing most any complex RF function, whether it be military airborne or commercial test or control. Additional information may be obtained from the Planar Electronics Technology web site.
Planar Electronics Technology Inc.,
Frederick, MD (301) 662-5019,
RS No. 303