Polaris line · Tracking down converter
Polaris TDC
ConfigurationPTDC-xxxxThe antenna end of Polaris monopulse. It converts the feed's Ka-band sum and difference signals to a single L-band signal for the Polaris DTR.
Polaris line · Tracking down converter
The antenna end of Polaris monopulse. It converts the feed's Ka-band sum and difference signals to a single L-band signal for the Polaris DTR.
Overview
A monopulse feed gives two signals: the sum (Σ), strongest on target, and the difference (Δ), near zero on target and growing with pointing error. Classic two-channel receivers have to keep both paths matched in gain and phase, which means periodic calibration.
The Polaris TDC combines Δ onto Σ in a fast, known phase pattern, timed by the DTR, and sends one L-band signal down the existing cable. The Polaris DTR separates the error from the pattern and drives the ACU.
The DTR commands the TDC over a single Ethernet link that also carries the frame timing, so starting monopulse is one action at the receiver.
Features
Steps the phase of Δ in time with the DTR's 25-frame-a-second measurement, so one receive chain carries both sum and error.
Down-converts 20.25–21.25 GHz with a 19.25 GHz LO to 1000–2000 MHz on a Type N output for the DTR.
The DTR puts the TDC in monopulse and back to step-track over the DTR Link, and raises a fault if the TDC stops responding.
Display and knob show mode, control state, Σ level and the error vector, and allow local control for maintenance.
Powers up in step-track, so the sum path reaches the DTR for beacon-level tracking whenever monopulse is not running.
Field-updatable software and an SNMP agent, built on the same platform as the Polaris DTR.
Specifications
| Inputs | Σ and Δ from the feed, SMA |
|---|---|
| Input band | Ka-band, 20.25–21.25 GHz |
| Local oscillator | 19.25 GHz |
| Output | L-band, 1000–2000 MHz, Type N |
| Other bands | On request |
| DTR Link | Ethernet RJ45 with frame timing pulse, to DTR E2 |
|---|---|
| Modes | Step-track, monopulse; local or remote |
| Display | Front panel display and knob |
| Size | 19 in rack, 2U |
| Power | AC, IEC 60320 C14 inlet |
Ordering
The Polaris TDC is ordered with a monopulse Polaris DTR (PDTR-2 configurations). Configuration number: PTDC-xxxx.
Get in touch
Send us your feed, band and antenna controller, and an engineer will reply with a configuration.
Replies within one business day