Smiths Interconnect’s TRAK Microwave brand has announced the availability of several aerospace and SATCOM communication system subassemblies and precision network timing products. These products demonstrate the latest size, weight, and performance (SWaP) requirements for integrated multi-function assemblies and synchronization in both civilian and military communications.

Ku-Band Block Upconverter

Model MFC147 Block Upconverter (BUC) provides 13.75 to 14.5 GHZ coverage for civilian and military aviation SATCOM applications. This BUC features a 25 watt GaN solid state power amplifier (SSPA) with low noise (-140 dBc/Hz typical) and low spectral regrowth. The unit also features rugged design for airborne environments, with all-SMT construction and sealed parts with no open die. The MFC147 is ITAR-free for applications worldwide.                                                                                                            

Ku Dual Band Block Downconverter

The Ku-band segments of 10.7-11.7 GHz and 11.7-12.75 GHz are covered by Model MFC146 Dual Band Block Downconverter (BDC). IF inputs for the two bands are 950-1950 MHz and 1100-1250 MHz, with digital band selection. This unit supports Ku-band VSAT applications such as in-flight entertainment systems and UAV communications, and is built to withstand challenging airborne environments. The MFC146 is ITAR-free for applications worldwide.

Stratum 1 Network Time Server

One of TRAK’s new timing products is the Model 8461 Stratum 1 Network Time Server, which is synchronized from an optical IRIG B DC-level shift or a wireline Modulated IRIG B link, with time synchronization of <1 µs of time reference. This NTP server supports NTP v2, v3, v4 and SNTP clients. An onboard OCXO provides holdover capability in the event that synchronization is lost from the IRIG reference.

Compact Time and Frequency Reference Module

Model 8833-13 is a tactical Frequency and Time Reference Module (FTRM) in a 3U Compact PCI form factor. The module includes a 50-channel GPS receiver, double-oven crystal oscillator, plus time and frequency generation circuitry providing reference outputs of 10 MHz, 1 PPS and Time of Day. Among the unit’s key features are fast time-to-lock of <10 minutes from power-up, and a holdover mode with accumulated drift of less than 10 µs in 24 hours after four hours of GPS synchronization.

Ka-Band Latching Circulator-Isolator

High performance 23 GHz aerospace systems are supported by TRAK’s Dual-Junction Latching Circulator.  This unit offers 1 µs switching speed and very low insertion loss of 0.2 dB in transmit mode and 0.4 dB in receive mode. The device will handle +39 dBm transmit power with 25 db isolation to protect the receiver while transmitting. Return loss is 25 dB and RF leakage is better than -60 dBc.