Product category:
Plant- and Machine-Wide Communications
News Release from: SRI PMD | Subject: SE-4257 RF exciter and test signal simulator
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 22 October 2007
RF exciter replaces several instruments
A single SE-4257 can replace a BERT, waveform generator, vector modulator, upconvertor, amplifier, noise source, attenuators, power meter, spectrum analyser and a frequency convertor.
The SE-4257 flight telemetry RF exciter and test signal simulator combines a digital wideband waveform modulator with a radio frequency (RF) upconvertor to produce transmission-ready signals in the baseband, Upper L-, Lower L- and both transmit and receive S-band frequency bands A digital implementation creates a small, rugged system that offers minimum power consumption and high spectral purity
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 25 Aug 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Data acquisition links go wireless
Series 500 Wireless Link sensor telemetry systems provide accurate real-time connectivity between sensors and instrumentation in applications where conventional wiring is difficult or impossible.
Controller co-ordinates up to four robots
The IRC5 is the fifth generation robot controller from ABB and is claimed as the biggest technological step forward since the introduction of the first generation S1 in 1974.
The design supports all ARTM waveforms including Tier 0 (PCM/FM), Tier I (SOQPSK) and Tier II (Multi-h CPM), as well as a multitude of complex digital modulation formats.
Data generation, coding and modulation can be driven from a variety of external digital inputs or via internal pattern and waveform generation sources.
Dual data processing paths are included to allow creation of independent I and Q data coding.
Further reading
Easy to use interface for any automation project
The new SCADA Portal from ABB is an easy-to-use graphical interface for controlling remote processes from small, standalone applications to five clients and up to 10,000 I/O per server
Ethernet module puts motor drives online
Controlling a drive across continents is now possible thanks to a new intelligent Ethernet module that connects drives to the Internet.
A single SE-4257 can replace a BERT, waveform generator, vector modulator, upconvertor, amplifier, noise source, attenuators, power meter, spectrum analyser and a frequency convertor.
Combining these capabilities in one small, simple-to-use unit allows quick and accurate setup and testing without in-depth system knowledge.
The practical design of the SE-4257 exciter also supports link test and verification applications by providing dual-channel bit-error-rate testing functions as well as simulated noise insertion for ground station loopback testing.
An optional second, independently tunable modulated RF output may be used effectively with dual-polarised systems.
Output power levels are adjustable from +10 to -80dBm in 0.1dB steps for fine control and fade profiling.
Configurable front-panel BNC connectors provide ready access to internal operating signals.
The SE-4257 can also optionally support an external frequency reference.
The SE-4257 includes support for user-configurable doppler simulation and acquisition automation functions.
Additionally, up to 32 configuration profiles can be stored with user-defined link names and recalled with a single command.
The firmware-intensive implementation of the SE-4257 readily accommodates custom features and signal processing tasks.
Digital signal processing techniques allow upgrades via firmware changes, even for previously fielded systems.
The SE-4257 RF Exciter is implemented in an industry-standard 19-inch rack mountable chassis and provides full status and control capabilities.
Controllable selections include modulation modes, data encoding options, RF output frequencies and levels and are accessible via a front-panel display or remotely via a standard RS-232 serial and 10/100baseT Ethernet or optional GPIB interface.
• SRI PMD: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
