Antenna Systems & Technology - 2013 Spring - (Page 4)

EDITOR’S CHOICE Anritsu Expands VNA Master Family with Models Providing 15 GHz Coverage Anritsu Company has introduced the MS2027C and MS2037C, two members of its VNA Master handheld vector network analyzer series that bring the inherent advantages of VNA Master to 15 GHz frequency applications. Providing improved measurement speed and high accuracy in a compact design measuring as small as 8.3 by 12.4 by 3.1 inches, the MS2027C and MS2037C are well suited for demanding field use environments, including aerospace and defense, SATCOM, commercial wireless backhaul and research. The MS2027C VNA Master, which provides frequency coverage from 5 kHz to 15 GHz, specifically addresses complex cable, waveguide and antenna field test needs with accurate, vector-corrected two-port magnitude, phase and time or distance domain measurements. A two-port, two-path, fully-reversing VNA, the MS2027C can be used by field engineers and technicians to measure and display all S-parameters with a single connection. Ultrafast 350 µsec per data point sweep speed makes the MS2027C suited for filter tuning. Incorporating a high-performance spectrum analyzer with ultra-low noise to the VNA capabilities, the MS2037C adds integrated spectrum analysis for on-site verification or troubleshooting. VNA Master offers powerful handheld spectrum analysis capability, with improved performance in sensitivity, dynamic range, phase noise, frequency accuracy and sweep speed. A built-in pre-selector eliminates spurious in displays. Both the MS2027C and MS2037C incorporate the field-proven VNA Master handheld platform. Their small size, light weight (10.5 lbs.) and battery operation make the analyzers improved to bulky benchtop or portable VNAs in field environments. Each model is designed with a high-resolution, intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI), as well as an 8.4-inch daylight-viewable display that offers hands-free operation while viewing measurement results. High-Throughput Ka-Band Satellite Communications On H-3 Helicopter ViaSat, Inc. has demonstrated a high-performance Ka-band satellite communication system that delivers beyond line-ofsight broadband for rotary wing aircraft. This advanced system provided sustained data rates of 4 Mbps from the helicopter to a ground station and 8 Mbps to the helicopter despite high shock and vibration and the inherent repetitive signal blockage from rotating blades. While previous “through the blade” demonstrations have proved the underlying patented and patent-pending technology, this flight test at Patuxent River, Maryland used a Sikorsky H-3 helicopter. Flight conditions encompassed rigorous maneuvers, includ- 4 Antenna Systems & Technology Spring 2013 ing severe banking and operation through several rotor orientations while running data-intensive applications. During multiple tests, operators were able to simultaneously run five VoIP calls, three VTCs from air to ground and streaming videos from the Internet to the aircraft. All applications ran without packet loss or video dropout. This system builds on proven ViaSat mobile Ku and Ka technologies using a modified waveform optimized for efficient through-theblade broadband communications. The system can be used on manned and unmanned rotary wing platforms and provides communications regardless of the number of blades, blade size, number of rotors or their orientation on the airframe. A patent-pending shock and vibration isolation system enables the antenna to maintain lock with the satellite on the ground and in-flight. The antenna used in the flight test was the new ViaSat VR-12 Ka antenna, which is a form and fit alternative to the VR12 Ku-band antenna. The VR-12 Ku has achieved milestones of 500 deliveries and more than 500,000 mission hours. Winegard Releases Indoor HDTV Antenna Winegard has launched an amplified version of its high tech FlatWave over-the-air indoor HDTV antenna called the FlatWave Amped. The multi-directional amplified antenna draws in dual band (VHF/UHF) HDTV broadcast signals up to 50 miles away. “This newest member of our patented FlatWave HDTV antenna family is the best one yet,” said Winegard national sales manager Grant Whipple. “We have set a new standard for amplifier performance and the Amped is the first antenna to utilize this technology. The Amped is one of very few indoor dual band antennas on the market, which means consumers don’t have to miss out on a major network that other UHF-only indoor antennas may experience.” This amplifier technology lowers the noise floor to 1.0 dB typical, which is 200 percent to 400 percent lower than competing amplifiers. That translates to antenna performance that matches an antenna two to three times larger and provides crystal clear HDTV pictures. The FlatWave Amped measures 13 inches by 12 inches and comes with an 18.5 ft white coaxial cable and an embedded digital amplifier that delivers the same high quality, free true HDTV picture of the original. FlatWave Amped retails for $89.99. www.AntennasOnline.com http://www.AntennasOnline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Antenna Systems & Technology - 2013 Spring

Antenna Systems & Technology - 2013 Spring
Editor’s Choice
Antenna Technology Applications for Advanced LTE
Case Study: Improve Antenna Alignment Monitoring by Preventing Condensation
Antennas
Components/Subsystems
Software/System Design
Test & Measurement
Industry News
Marketplace

Antenna Systems & Technology - 2013 Spring