New Dual-Channel Coaxial Rotary Joint Features Compact Design For Use In Low-Profile Ku-Band SOTM Antennas

The latest addition to Link Microtek’s expanding range of in-house manufactured microwave rotary joints is the AMCORJD-Ku dual-channel coaxial device, which has been specifically designed for use in the low-profile antennas that are a key element of Ku-band satellite-on-the-move (SOTM) high-data-rate communication systems. These systems are typically deployed on military or commercial mobile platforms such as vehicles or aeroplanes.

As well as featuring a height of only 31.6mm, the new rotary joint is equipped with right-angled coaxial connectors to minimise the vertical space required for cables. It also offers high-current capability on the receive channel, which means that both the antenna’s LNB and the motors that keep the antenna locked on to the satellite can be powered via the rotary joint, thereby eliminating the need for additional slip rings and saving even more space.

The transmit channel has a frequency range of 13.75-14.5GHz, with a power rating of 40W CW, a maximum VSWR of 1.4:1 and a typical insertion loss of just 0.6dB. The receive channel can handle DC to 2.15GHz at a microwave power of up to 1W CW, while typical VSWR and insertion loss are specified as 1.5:1 and 0.5dB respectively. Maximum current rating for the receive channel is 2A at 24V DC.

Manufactured at Link Microtek’s premises in Basingstoke, the AMCORJD-Ku rotary joint features an intricate internal design consisting of over 40 separate precision-engineered parts. The body of the device is fabricated from aluminium with an Iridite finish and measures 36.0mm in diameter and 31.6mm in height excluding the female SMA-type coaxial connectors. It incorporates a 63.5mm-diameter bulkhead flange as standard.

Other rotary-joint configurations and sizes are available on request, tailored to suit specific antenna requirements.

For more information, visit www.linkmicrotekeng.com.