The latest addition to Link Microtek’s range of microwave rotary joints is a device featuring two X-Band channels, both of which can be used to either transmit or receive signals in radar systems for coastal/border surveillance or critical infrastructure protection.
Designed and manufactured at the company’s facility in Basingstoke, UK, the new AMCORJD-ALT1 device enables microwave signals to be fed to or from a compact radar antenna rotating continuously at in excess of 60 rpm and typically exposed to harsh environmental conditions such as wind, rain and salt spray.
Both channels cover the frequency range 8.0 to 9.5 GHz and can handle average microwave powers in excess of 100 W and peak powers of over 200 W. Microwave performance is excellent, with a maximum insertion loss of only 1.2 dB, maximum VSWR of 1.5:1 and an isolation of 80 dB.
In order to satisfy requirements for long life and continuous operation, this robustly constructed rotary joint uses a non-contacting design, so the only wearing parts are the bearings. It is fabricated from lightweight aluminum with an Iridite finish and incorporates IP65 sealing to protect it from the ingress of moisture and dust.
Featuring N-type connectors on the rotating side and SMA-type connectors on the fixed side, the rotary joint has overall dimensions of 84 mm (D) x 124 mm (L), excluding the connectors and bulkhead mounting flange. Other rotary-joint configurations and sizes can be supplied on request, customized to suit specific radar antenna requirements.