AtlanTecRF Announces A Significant Step Up In Operating Frequencies With Its Satcom Loop Test Translators For Use At Q-Band

AtlanTecRF, a leader in RF satcom testing, recently launched its range of Q-band Loop Test Translators with Ethernet Control. 

Addressing the nominal 44 GHz uplink market AtlantecRF’s three new products provide loop-back frequency conversion of Transmit (Tx) to Receive (Rx), Transmit to L-band and L-band to Receive, thereby providing a complete suite of system testing instruments. 

AtlanTecRF Loop Test Translators are already in use on all continents in lower frequency bands from L to Ka and the extension into the 44 GHz region of Q-band with its current and future operating potential heralds the next generation of space sector communications. 

Coupled into ground station transmit and receive chains, the ALR series of Q-Band Translators simulate the satellite and facilitate set up and alignment of the system without the risk and cost of a live test session. From input to output the nominal conversion loss is 35dB as standard but there are options to reduce this to 0dB with the addition of internal gain stages. Input attenuation in a choice of 30dB and 60dB ranges is controlled with easy-to-use up/down touch buttons and this is also the case for the synthesised local oscillator (LO) frequency. In addition, this local control can be switched to remote whereby ethernet and a GUI (graphical user interface) permit adjustment of these parameters via the internet. 

LO stability is maintained over both time and temperature by either an internal OXCO guaranteeing +/-0.05ppm over 0+50C or by connecting to a system 10MHz reference, in which case the LTT tracks the system variations. 

At the announcement of these new Q-band instruments, Geoff Burling, AtlanTecRF C.E.O. said “It is always the aim of AtlanTecRF to stay ahead of industry trends in satcom RF testing. We were right there at the opening of the Ka-band era and we have now made equivalent test functions available for the higher frequencies of Q-band operation. The availability of these products now means that the designers of tomorrow’s satellite connectivity don’t have to wait to prove the performance of the next generation of equipment. We have the means today.” 

In addition to the easily recognised 19” x 1U rack mount configuration, the Q-band LTTs will also be available as portable bench instruments and weatherproof outdoor units and there is the choice of AC 80-240V supply or rechargeable battery power. 

About AtlanTecRF

AtlanTecRF is a leading global manufacturer of RF and microwave components, interconnects and custom-built equipment to the Satellite, Aerospace, Telecommunications, Defence and Scientific Research industries. 

All products are manufactured to ISO 9001:2008 standards and range from attenuators and amplifiers through to couplers, connectors, isolators, power dividers to oscillators, loop test translators, switches, terminations and filters.