In the world of tactical military communications, small size, light weight and versatility are essential for all components required for each deployable system. Locus Microwave, now part of the Codan family, has added the UB61000-050 X-band 100 W Block Upconverter (BUC) in accordance with this effort. The UB61000-050 features an L-band input interface with an X-band (7.9 to 8.4 GHz) output at 100 W P1dB (typical). This is the latest addition to the Locus line of X-band BUC products that now extend from 5 to 100 W in a variety of packaging sizes and configurations. The Locus Microwave UB61000-050 provides a solution for outdoor military communication applications where a compact package is required for performance in a variety of environmental conditions.
Package Features
The Locus Microwave UB61000-050 X-band Block Upconverter features a robust package in a compact size and weight. The UB61000-050 weighs in at slightly less than 25 pounds at the approximate size of a large shoebox. The exact dimensions are 14.5 inches long, 7.5 inches wide and 7.5 inches high.
The UB61000-050 package is ruggedized for a variety of environmental and tactical combat conditions. Operating temperatures are rated for -40° to +60ºC. With environmental temperature concerns solved, the UB61000-050 is also rated to 100 percent humidity resistance taking care of moisture considerations. This rating allows for condensation buildup as well.
An additional feature of the Locus UB61000-050 package is the thermal cooling system. The package is self-cooled by forced air flowing over custom thermal heat sinks allowing for cool operating temperatures throughout the interior operating electronics. The advantage of this system is realized by the mounting flexibility it provides from being completely self-contained. Outside cooling is simply not necessary. All of the UB61000-050 package features provide a compact solution with the versatility and ruggedness required for current military communication.
Technical Parameters
The Locus Microwave UB61000-050 converts a L-band (950 to 1450 MHz) input frequency to a X-band (7.9 to 8.4 GHz) output frequency using a phase locked 6.95 GHz local oscillator and mixer. Amplification is provided at both the L-band IF range and the 8 GHz output range.
Figure 1 Phase noise performance of UB61000-050.
Phase noise performance for the Locus UB61000-050 exceeds both MIL-STD-188-164 and IESS 308 specifications, as illustrated in Figure 1. The specification for phase noise (SSB) at 1 kHz offset is -76 dBc/Hz (typical), at 10 kHz offset is -86 dBc/Hz (typical) and at 100 kHz offset is -108 dBc/Hz (typical).
Figure 2 Gain vs. frequency performance.
Figure 3 1 dB compression point vs. frequency.
Typical gain for the UB61000-050 is 64 dB with a minimum of 60 dB. Other gain levels are available with factory consultation. Gain versus frequency performance data at -40°, +23° and +50°C is illustrated in Figure 2. Gain flatness is measured at ±1.25 dB maximum per full band with a slope of ±0.4 dB per 40 MHz. Figure 3 is representative of data illustrating 1 dB compression point versus frequency from the Locus UB61000-050, which is an example of how performance can exceed what is listed on the spec sheet.
Another feature of this 100 W X-band BUC is that it locks to an external 10 MHz reference frequency at a level of 0 dBm ±5 dB. Standard connectors for the UB61000-050 include Type N female IF input/External Reference, CPR112G Waveguide RF output and PT02E-14-12-P DC Power/M&C. Additional connector options are available after consultation with the Locus factory.
The Locus UB61000-050 features an attractively low power consumption of only 500 W, which sets it apart in terms of efficiency. The standard input power requirement for this block upconverter is 48 V DC. An AC power solution can be provided.
Applications
The X-band frequency range is considered the “military band”. As illustrated in Figure 1, the UB61000-050 outperforms the MIL-STD-188-164 and IESS-308 specifications for phase noise performance. The compact size and light weight of this unit allow for a host of flexible mounting options on a variety of military communication systems. The rugged durability of this unit allows for a variety of deployment environments, which is essential for modern military communication.
Locus Microwave
Boalsburg, PA
(814) 466-6275
info@locusmicrowave.com
www.locusmicrowave.com
RS No. 300