RF and microwave frequency converters for electronic warfare (EW) and SIGINT introduced by Mercury

Sept. 9, 2019
Devices enable designers to change the intermediate frequency (IF) dynamically on-the-fly, and respond dynamically to emerging electronic threats.

ANDOVER, Mass. – Mercury Systems Inc. in Andover, Mass., is introducing the Spectrumseries RFT-3200 downconverter and matching RFT-4200 upconverter-broadband frequency conversion products for agile electronic warfare (EW) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems.

These high-performance frequency converters enable systems designers to change the intermediate frequency (IF) dynamically on-the-fly, and offer the ability to respond dynamically to emerging electronic threats while also reducing upgrade costs through improved interoperability.

Mercury's customizable frequency converters enable the user to optimize the IF settings for the specific digitizer and mission needs, making the most of storage capacity and sensitivity. For example, for narrow signals of interest the user can reduce the IF bandwidth to minimize the noise and improve the sensitivity, enabling the detection of low-amplitude signals that otherwise might be missed.

The higher bandwidth settings are for scanning the electromagnetic spectrum efficiently for threats as well as processing wideband signals. This bandwidth optimization enables one RF converter to perform the same functions as several conventional frequency converters, thereby reducing system cost and size.

Related: Mercury to provide RF embedded computing for airborne EW training

Additionally, by adjusting the IF bandwidth, users can pair the converter with other digitizers, reducing total system cost by enabling designers to use the same converter through several system upgrade cycles.

In addition to a tunable IF, these converters have RF performance to 40 GHz, excellent phase noise characteristics and phase coherent configurations. A modular design approach enables rapid customization to satisfy specific program needs as well as several form factors including 19-inch rackmount, ruggedized half ATR chassis and benchtop. Additionally, the converters support a complete SCPI-based command set accessible over Ethernet or serial ports.

For more information contact Mercury Systems online at www.mrcy.com.

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