X-Band 4-X Quad T/R Plank Assembly
Stackable QTRM Building Blocks for Phased Array Active Antenna Units
Spectrum Control's X-Band QTRM Plank contains four Quad Transmit Receive Modules providing sixteen ports which can be connected to individual antenna elements to form a 1-D phased array active antenna unit.
This easy-to-integrate product significantly reduces development time allowing customers to focus their valuable resources on radar signal processing and beam control.
Three M2 threaded holes in the end of each QTRM facilitates the attachment of a quad antenna module. Alternatively, equal length, low loss microwave cables can be used to connect to individual antenna elements in which case the holes could be used to attach a plate fitted with four cables.
- Common module 'Building Block' for phased array radars, AESA & E-Scan Radar applications
- 4-Channel integrated assembly comprising of DC, Logic CTRL/Interface & T/R Module
- Designed for high volume manufacture
- Minimal alignment, custom ATE for factory 'calibration'
- Significantly reduces development time, allowing customers to focus their valuable resources on radar signal processing and beam control
- European manufacture
- Standard and fully-cusomizable units available
- Naval Radar / Marine Radar
- Airborne Radar
- Ground-based Radar
- Vehicle-mounted Radar
- Air Traffic Control Radar
- Tactical Data Links including SATCOM on the MOVE
- E-Scan & Satcom Applications
- RS485 Half-Duplex, 5.0 Mbps serial data bus for control and monitoring.
- Plank operating current and power supply health monitored and reported on request along with health status of each QTRM
- Automatic shut-down of individual QTRM’s if their internal temperature reaches a critical limit where damage could occur. Hysteresis applies.
- Positive supplies inhibited (with the exception of the digital control circuits) if negative supply is lost
- Direction cosines used for beam steering
- QTRM’s respond to individual address or broadcast messages.
- Module position assignment
- Sequenced QTRM power-up timing based on module position address
- Ability to schedule up to 16 phase & amplitude settings for rapid beam switching
- Ability to disable internal modulation and apply externally
- Array CAL allows end-user to add additional TRU phase & amplitude calibration.
- Read-back of CAL phase & amplitude values for each TRU.
- Selection of internal/external Clock source to allow synchronisation of multiple QTRMs
X-Band 4-X QTRM Plank
QTRM - Quad Transmit Receive Module (4-Channel T/R Module)
The Plank is supplied from a single 28 volt DC supply and contains the necessary supply conditioning to power the four QTRMs. A power-up sequence ensures that the input current surge is managed both within the individual QTRMs and within the Plank so as to avoid overloading the primary 28 volt supply on switch-on.
In addition, a half-duplex, asynchronous, RS485 bus allows communication to and from an external Beam Steering Computer (BSC) that provides control and monitoring of the Plank and its QTRMs. The serial data takes the form of a number of messages assigned to either control the individual T-R elements or to retrieve information about their settings or health status. RF2M have developed a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to control and monitor the behaviour of the Plank and can be run from a laptop or desktop computer.
Quad T/R Modules for Systems Integration
Using a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) approach, Spectrum Control has developed a ‘common module’ building approach that streamlines system integration, simplifies repair, and reduces the cost of ownership of AESA / e-scan array / e-scan radar platforms.
For this 'common module' building approach, we have chosen a QTRM (Quad Transmit Receive Module) as the ‘common module.’ Available as either a standalone solution or as part of Spectrum Control's Active Antenna Array Unit (AAAU) product, the QTRM can be integrated into phased array antenna applications, serving as a stackable building block as part of an antenna sub-array. This stacked approach facilitates ease of configuration and field repair of radar units.
Available in various bands and product configurations, our Quad Transmit Receive Module forms the main element of an AESA radar system.
Advanced Phased Array Development
This product offering from RF2M Microwave provides the means to experiment with X-band phased array radar and to further develop a 2-D radar by stacking Planks up to eight deep.
Reduced Radar System Development Time
This product significantly reduces development time allowing customers to focus their valuable resources on radar signal processing and beam control.
Full Engineering & Development
Spectrum Control welcomes the opportunity to work with customers during their product development by providing technical support to customise and active antenna array solution.