2.5GHz Programmable RFoF for GPS and GNSS
RFOptic’s GPS over Fiber solution is a 5G module designed to distribute GPS timing signals in sheltered areas including tunnels, buildings and parking decks. Near a rooftop GPS antenna the satellite signals are modulated onto an optical carrier by an RFoF Transmitter module. These optical signals are distributed to sheltered areas using very low loss optical fibers and splitters. At each end point the optical signals are converted back to RF GPS signals by RFoF Receiver module(s) and are broadcasted locally or connected to various timing devices. This allows one GPS antenna (Donor) to provide timing signals to many areas which cannot get direct signaling from the GPS satellites and cannot be covered by coaxial cables due to distance and excessive cable losses.
RFOptic’s RF over Fiber 2.5GHz for GPS and GNSS Programmable RF over Fiber Transmitters & Receivers operates between 30MHz to 2.5GHz. The Transmitted module provides DC power over coax to an Active GPS Antenna (antennas with integrated LNB). It is commonly used for applications in L band such as broadcast, GPS, GNSS, satcom, and remote antenna. The compact design and the relatively low power consumption make it ideal for standalone and subsystem applications. Modules can come with FC/APC or SC/APC connectors and SMA
RFOptic’s GPS over Fiber 2.5GHz link has a receiver (Rx), transmitter (Tx), and configuration tool software, which enables the customer to control the performance based on the input signal level and the optical losses. It provides module level BIT and link diagnostic indications.
RFOptic solutions can be integrated into indoor enclosures. The selection of enclosures provides optimal solutions considering space and environmental conditions, maintenance parameters, and customer needs.
The RF over Fiber programmable family consists of direct modulation RFoF solutions covering bandwidths from 1MHz to 2.5GHz, 3GHz, 4GHz, 6GHz, 8GHz, 10GHz, and 12GHz. RFOptic’s RFoF Configuration tool is a free USB app that provides BIT and diagnostic functions for field evaluation of the transceiver, receiver, and RFoF link from end to end. The programmable series features, automatic gain control for temperature stability and ALC which can be activated through the app. Remote Monitor & Control for modules in enclosures can be added over TCP/IP interface supporting HTML (webserver), REST and SNMP.
RF over Fiber 2.5GHz for GPS is designed for scenarios where location and time signals need to be distributed from a Donor antenna to RF sheltered locations, and where distances preclude transmission over coaxial cables due to the cable loss. Using WDM technology such GPS signals can be transmitted over the same fiber as other RF signals such as cellular communication signals. This is an attractive solution for mobile communications companies using the same fiber infrastructure for GPS and cellular signals.
- Supports 1MHz — 2.5GHz.
- Flat response irrespective of distance and frequency
- Distance between RF ports is limited only by optical losses
- Insensitive to RF EM radiation
- Cost-benefit increases as RF bandwidth increases
- Low loss transmission, low power consumptiion
- Excellent phase noise, high dynamic range
- Wide operating temperature range -45°C — 85°C
- Full tunable links with 2x 31.5dB step attenuator with 0.5dB steps
- Built-in bypassable 30dB LNA
- ALC technology available in Tx and Rx modules
- Noise Figure down to 5dB with LNA ON
- MDS: -169 dB/Hz for very low incoming signals
- End-to-end, built-in optical and RF diagnostics reduces installation and maintenance time
- Built-in optical power and RF sensor sensors in both Tx and Rx terminals to monitor connection quality and provide diagnostic information
- Configurable optical alarm level
- USB plug-and-play interface and free RFOptic Configuration tool
- Remote Management and Control (M&C) over ethernet supports SNMP, HTML webserver
- REST API for test station integration
- Event log tracking system operation conditions and changes to operating parameters
- RFoF module level information includes temperature, RF signal power, and optical power
- Full control of all Tx and Rx terminals,, configurable optical alarm level
- Secure communication with M&C over HTTPS with user-specified SSL PKI credentials
- Ethernet configuration supports DHCP and static IP assignment
- Supports manual, local, or NTP time zone setup
- Support features include RFoF system log and service packages
- Unidirectional and Bidirectional links
- 1U removable enclosures (hot swappable)
- 2U removable enclosures (hot swappable)
- 2U HD enclosures
- 1U generic enclosures (including CWDM)
- 1U MINI RFoF enclosures
- Outdoor enclosures (several sizes)
RFOptic’s optical RF Monitor and Control software is designed to manage, monitor, and control RF over Fiber converters and RFoF systems locally or remotely.
These optical fiber control and monitor capabilities reduce the daily maintenance expense, allowing maintenance personnel to perform diagnostic tests and calibration in the field without special test equipment, and to locate faults and problems in the optical and RF domains.
All fiber optic management systems are user-friendly, intuitive, and easy to operate. Detailed information can be found in the help and manuals of the management software.
RFOptic’s Optical RF Monitor & Control is available using USB interface for local management and over Ethernet connection for remote management. Both M&C systems enable changes to operating parameters and provide status details for all RFOptic’s RFoF products.
