Polaris line · Digital tracking receiver
A software-defined tracking receiver for step-track and single-channel monopulse, designed to replace a legacy tracking receiver on the same cables and antenna control unit. Replacing a VertexRSI DTR?
Overview
The Polaris DTR tunes to a satellite beacon, measures its level, carrier-to-noise, frequency and stability, and gives the antenna control unit what it needs to track: a beacon level for step-track, or cross-elevation, elevation and sum error voltages for monopulse.
Paired with the Polaris TDC at the antenna, it measures the pointing error 25 times a second using single-channel monopulse. One receive channel means there is no pair of channels to keep matched and no periodic channel calibration.
The outputs match the legacy receiver's error slope, zero, polarity, ±10 V limits and AGC voltage curve. Record the old unit's settings, enter them, and close the loop.
Features
Four analog outputs follow the beacon in decibels, with adjustable slope from −1 to +1 V/dB, so one dB of fade gives the same step at any signal level.
With the Polaris TDC, XEL, EL and SUM error voltages at 25 updates a second, 40–80 ms latency, and a track-enable contact that tells the ACU when the data is valid.
DB-25 I/O pin-compatible with the legacy receiver's I/O 1 and 2: isolated summary fault contacts, relay contacts and beacon select inputs. What carries over from a VertexRSI DTR.
A wide front-panel display with a single-knob menu, and a rear HDMI output for spectrum, waterfall and monopulse views on any monitor up to 1080p.
SNMPv2c for the NMS you already run, SNMPv3 with SHA-256 authentication, AES-128 privacy and separate monitor and control users, and an RS-485 stream of the monopulse error vector.
Lock, C/N, C/N₀, drift, interference detection and a confidence score, plus a fault list and log, so the ACU never chases a reading taken without a beacon.
Specifications
| Frequency | L-band, 950–2050 MHz |
|---|---|
| Tuning resolution | 1 kHz, fully synthesized |
| Frequency stability | ±5 ppm, 0 to 50 °C |
| RF inputs | 1 to 6, 50 Ω Type N (2 in PDTR-2L20) |
| Input level | −110 to −40 dBm |
| Dynamic range | 70 dB |
| Detection | FFT, non-coherent; 1 kHz to 1 MHz bandwidth |
| Carrier lock | C/N₀ ≥ 35 dB-Hz |
| Monitor port | Front panel, 50 Ω SMA |
| Modes | Step-track; single-channel monopulse with the Polaris TDC |
|---|---|
| Analog outputs | 4 × −10 to +10 V, single-ended and differential |
| Slope | Adjustable, −1 to +1 V/dB |
| Linearity | ±0.25 dB over 70 dB |
| Monopulse update | 25 per second; latency 40–80 ms |
| Monopulse channel match | ±0.25 dB, ±2° |
| Track enable | Isolated contact, closed when tracking is valid |
| Ethernet | E1 10/100/1000 (M&C); E2 10/100 (link to the TDC) |
|---|---|
| SNMP | SNMPv2c; SNMPv3 with SHA-256 / AES-128 |
| Serial | RS-232, RS-232/RS-422, RS-485 (monopulse data stream) |
| Parallel I/O | Summary fault contacts, relay contacts, beacon select inputs |
| Displays | Front panel display and knob; rear HDMI up to 1920 × 1080 |
| Size | 19 in rack, 2U; 542 mm (21 5/16 in) deep, panel to panel |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10 kg (22 lb) max |
| Power | 100–240 VAC, 47–63 Hz; under 50 W |
| Operating temperature | −10 to +55 °C |
| Storage temperature | −40 to +70 °C |
| Humidity | 0–95 %, non-condensing |
| Compliance | CE, FCC Part 15B, RoHS |
Ordering
| Configuration | Tracking | Band | RF inputs |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDTR-2L20 | Step-track and monopulse (with Polaris TDC) | L | 2 |
| PDTR-1L20 | Step-track | L | 2 |
| PDTR-XBR0 | Other bands and input counts | L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka, multi | 1 to 6 |
How to read a configuration number: configuration key. Bands above L use a block downconverter; some C, Ku and Ka ranges need more than one, so contact us for those.
Get in touch
Send us your legacy receiver's model and settings, or your specification, and an engineer will reply with a configuration.
Replies within one business day
