Astronics 1257A-C - Commutation RF & Hyper


Description

Système de commutation RF et Hyper

The Racal Instruments™ 1257A-C is a sixth-generation RFIU tailored to your specifications. It comes with a new easy-to-use LXI Core 2011-compliant device and new enhanced features, including 2U through 6U configurations.

The Racal Instruments™ 1257A-C is a custom RFIU solution that is engineered, fabricated, and tested by us to meet customer-specific application requirements. By utilizing unique and proven design tools and leveraging a versatile instrument platform, the 1257A-C delivers a custom RFIU solution with the reproducibility, documentation, cost, and supportability of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf equipment.

In certain applications where a configured 1257A COTS RFIU or a pre-engineered, customer-assembled 1257A development kit do not address customer needs, the 1257A custom RFIU represents an ideal solution.

In these cases, we conduct an initial application discussion in which a customer block diagram and basic requirements are collected. We then generate a technical proposal and quotation. After we receive the order, we complete the engineering, fabricate and assemble the system, and complete cabling and final path testing. The result is a tailored RFIU solution that meets exact customer requirements.

The benefits of outsourcing a custom RFIU design and build project to us are substantial:

  • Faster engineering
    Since we have decades of RF/microwave experience and apply automated design tools, engineering can be completed more rapidly than in-house options.
  • Simplified procurement
    RFIUs incorporate a large number of individual components, chassis parts, cables, and boards. Outsourcing to us eliminates time consuming individual component procurement activities.
  • Faster fabrication
    The tedious and time-consuming process of installing multiple internal RFIU components, cabling them together, and completing software/control integration often slows manufacturing. Our proprietary design tools and expertise not only speed fabrication, but also ensure signal and path integrity.
  • Easy to integrate
    Flexible control options, a complete set of standard and customized drivers, and easy-to-use program commands simplify integration.
  • Easy to operate, service, and support
    Since the 1257A-C is based on a standardized instrument chassis, it offers COTS-like reliability, making it easy to operate. Built-in relay counters, complete system documentation, and ready access to internal components enable speedy service and simplified product support.
  • 100% reproducibility for future systems
    Since each unit comes with a complete set of documentation, including BOM and system performance data, additional RFIU’s are 100% reproducible, making replacement or additional capacity as simple as placing a purchase order.

 

Applications for the 1257A-C
Common applications for the 1257A-C RFIU include the testing of communications equipment in production/installation/commissioning and the operational monitoring of RF, Microwave, and radar signals. It can be used for base station, satellite antenna, or ATE test applications.

Relays with a frequency range of up to 18, 26.5, or 40 GHz can be designed into the 1257A-C to accommodate a wide range of signal types. In many cases, the RFIU is utilized for routing and switching signals from one or more UUT’s or antennae to different RF test and monitoring equipment such as spectrum analyzers, frequency counters, and/or power meters.

Due to the expense of RF test instrumentation, and the frequent need to measure or monitor multiple RF signals very quickly, the 1257A-C can provide a substantial ROI and fast payback in RF test applications.

 

A complete RFIU solution tailored to your application requirements
Because of the flexibility of the 1257A-C platform, it can incorporate a wide range of RF components including Power, RF, Microwave or Optical Relays, Amplifiers, Isolators, Coupler, Attenuators, and Terminations. These components may be controlled with TTL, open collector, pulse latching and/or general purpose Digital I/O logic.

The 1257A-C can be configured to specific application requirements with one to ten driver boards. This scalable design can support up to a maximum of 480 I/O, control, and LED channels.

 

The 1257A-C is offered in 2U through 6U chassis options to ensure that the form factor of the solution properly addresses your requirements in terms of space and mounting options. The 2U and 3U Chassis offer a compact form factor, while the 4U through 6U chassis offer full capacity and front, inside, or rear component mounting.

 

In addition, the front and rear panels can be designed to meet exact requirements as far as the types of connectors, location/ layout, and reference designators.

 

Easy to integrate, control, and program
The 1257A-C comes standard with LXI/Ethernet, USB, and GPIB control interfaces. A rich SCPI command set and IVI drivers provide easy integration and compatibility with almost all software environments. This new LXI interface is based on Ethernet and offers discovery and a web-based interface. Programming has been simplified with the incorporation of powerful and easy-to-use commands and features:

 

  • Path Names – Makes paths intuitive
  • Scan Lists – Set up a list that will run automatically
  • Relay Counter – Counts relay closures and tracks relay end of life

 

Easy to service and support
The modular design of the 1257A-C platform and complete set of documentation reduce the Mean-Time- To-Repair (MTTR). 4U through 6U units offer removable top and bottom covers, facilitating service while the RFIU is still installed in the rack. These features enable relay or component replacement by dropping them out of the bottom of the unit, minimally disturbing sensitive microwave cables and preventing damage during service.

Since each unit is delivered with a complete BOM and system performance documentation, evaluating system performance degradation and finding part numbers for replacements is straightforward.

Additionally, relay counters provide visibility when components reach the end of their useful service life, enabling preventative maintenance instead of system downtime.

 

Fully documented system performance
Prior to shipping, every specific path within the 1257A-C is fully tested and documented. VSWR and insertion loss are typical measurements, with the validation plots for the applicable frequency range delivered on a CD with the product for customer viewing and future evaluation.

This initial system characterization data often proves useful for quantifying the service life in electro-mechanical switches, drawer troubleshooting, and for determining calibration factors.

 

Product Features: 
  • Complete custom engineering and fabrication solution
  • 2U through 6U chassis sizes
  • Components may include Power, RF, Microwave or Optical Relays, Amplifiers, Isolators, Couplers, and Attenuators
  • Up to 480 control, indicator readback, and LED channels with TTL, open collector, and/or pulse latching I/O control
  • LXI/Ethernet, USB, and GPIB control interface
  • Full documentation - design, components, and system performance
  • Easily replicated - subsequent RFIU systems are 100% identical
  • Relay counter
 

Notre engagement est de vous accompagner au-delà de la simple fourniture de matériel ou de logiciels issus de notre catalogue. Nous nous engageons à vous assister dès les premiers contacts et ainsi vous proposer une gamme de prestation adaptée à la réalisation de vos projets.

> AVANT-VENTE > LOCATION > INSTALLATION > APRES-VENTE