The requirements of modern datalinks in the UAV and large airframe market present challenges for systems designers. Many modern communication systems often require full-duplex operation, and several systems may be operating on a single airframe. At the same time size, aerodynamic and radar signature concerns can limit the ability of designers and integrators to add multiple antennas to a given airframe.
One commonly pursed option is the integration of an RF Power Amplifier with an LNA and a Diplexer to create a full-duplex datalink system. Utilizing a set of Commercially-Available-of-the-Shelf (COTS) high power amplifier in the transmit chain and Low Noise amplifier in receive, in combination with a custom developed diplexer, presents the systems engineer with a cost effect solution to this problem.
An integrated diplexer is a critical element in the RF Front-End design. As a full-duplex system, the diplexer allows simultaneous transmission and reception of signals using the same antenna system. The diplexer selectively filters the transmit and receive frequency bands such that energy from the transmitter does not feed into the receiver, as well as maintain isolation between the receiver and the transmitter. Isolation between the transmitter and receiver is crucial to the reduction of receiver sensitivity.
Additional attention must be paid to applications that operate in close proximity to the GPS frequencies. In these use cases, high isolation between the transmitter and GPS frequencies is required to prevent harmful interference with navigation systems.
NuWaves has considerable experience engineering solutions that leverage the low cost of a COTS items while leverage our extensive experience custom designing filters and diplexers to meet a customer’s filtering requirements. NuWaves RF Solutions has developed a wide variety of off-the-shelf RF amplifiers with rich features to support mission-critical CONOPS in telemetry, ISR, and tactical communication systems applications. Frequency ranges are available from UHF through C-band with output power levels ranging from 5 to 50 W.
All NuPower PAs are designed, built and tested in-house under NuWaves’ Quality Management System (QMS) certified to AS9100:2009 and ISO 9001-2008 standards, which ensures that each product arrives on-time and defect-free. Most models are in-stock. NuWaves also boasts a full suite of state-of-the-art design and simulation tools, test and measurement equipment, prototyping equipment and a full-scale production facility to provide custom solutions to your specifications. Contact NuWaves today to extend the range of your communications systems and don’t forget to check out our RF Power Amplifiers.
