Eastern OptX announced the Model 1200 low-loss ground-to-antenna tower top system at IMS2017.

The Model 1200 dramatically reduces the transmission loss associated with RF cable links used in antenna tower connections (up to 40 GHz). Loss improvement per 100 meters at 10 GHz is reduced from 30 to 0.03 dB.

Cable connections are often found in radar test systems, cellular and other communication systems. The main problem presented by loss in the cable connection is the reduction of the signal to noise (SNA) ratio. Eventually the signal drops so far that the receiver can no longer detect it.

The Model 1200 not only reduces signal loss and SNA degradation—it comes as a complete turnkey solution. The system includes cables, antennas, a tower top unit (delay line), a tower base unit (delay line), plus system control.

The system has USB and Ethernet control with DC and AC power options. Custom options are available.

System Description

In a typical system, the Model 1200 System is used as a repeater. The Model 1200 receives the signal transmitted from the radar, converts it for optical fiber transmission. It then relays the signal to the base unit, demodulates and is stored for later processing. That processing may include target simulation (propagation loss and delay). After processing, the resulting signal is modulated for optical transmission. It is transmitted to the tower top unit, converted back to RF and transmitted.

Additional system features include tower top gain control, transmit and receive isolation, Doppler generation, multipath interference and wanted and unwanted interferers.

Specifications

Parameter Specification
Input/Output Isolation 60 dB
Low Loss 0.5 dB typical
Repeatability 0.1 percent
Lightweight Less than 40 lbs.
VSWR 2:1
Spurious-free Dynamic Range 100 dB/Hz2/3
1 dB Input Compression -15 dBm
Noise Figure 25 dB (13 dB typical)
Input/Output Impedance 50 Ω
Dimensions 19 in rack per EIA-310-D

Eastern OptX is exhibitng at IMS2017 at Booth #1934.