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Looking back at a successful 2024 in RFoF Technology and looking forward to a prosperous 2025

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Looking back at a successful 2024 in RFoF Technology and looking forward to a prosperous 2025

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January is always a good month to reflect on our achievements of last year. It allows us to get a clear overview of market trends, our market position, business opportunities, and our market position in the RF-Optical market. Overall, we expanded our commercial activities in the defense markets in the US, India, and EMEA. We also increased the sales of our 5G applications in Europe, the US, and other strategic markets, especially in the vendor and telcos sectors. Our R&D department launched several new products, including our brand-new Ultra series.

Company News

Commercial RFoF Successes

  • In 2024, we received orders for RF-over-Fiber for 5G and RF-over-Fiber for defense and HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) infrastructure.
  • Together with our local partner, we supplied our Ka systems to a major Satcom integrator and our phase-matched system to strategic customers in India.
  • During Q3 2024, we received three purchase orders from one of our Tier-1 customers. These orders follow previous orders for our 6GHz solution for 5G testing and DAS solutions for various Fortune 500 companies.
  • We also received significant purchase orders for our RFoF offering from Japan.

RFoF Partnerships

RFOptic operates worldwide through a network of local distributors and strategic partners. In 2024, we added several strong partners to our global network.

RFoF Successes at Exhibitions

In 2024, we participated in various exhibitions in the US, Europe, and the Far East.

R&D Achievements

Our R&D department has made major achievements at the links and system level. The continuous efforts of the R&D team are the cornerstone of our success as a tech-driven company.

  • The development of a  high-frequency (> 18GHz) phase-matching solution was completed. It has excellent inter-channel phase tracking results.
  • We introduced solutions for VNA extenders and multi-fiber/site phase correctable RFoF technology with ultimate phase match up to 40GHz available to select customers.
  • At the request of customers operating in firewalled network zones, we added an HTTPS interface connection with customizable PKI SSL encryption to our remote management system.
  • Improved the High-Speed Fiber-Optic Delay Range (HSFDR) pilotless stabilization technology to shorten the stabilization time and extend the operating temperature range of -45°C — +70°C.
  • Introduced optional Automatic Level Control (ALC) technology in both the RFoF’s Tx and the Rx programmable terminals (available in both local and remote management).
  • During Q3, 2024, we launched our Drone and UAV RFoF Remote Antenna, custom antenna remoting technology for drones and UAVs. The technology provides high dynamic range bi-directional RFoF support for distancing the Drone or UAV antenna from its operator and control trailer. The system delivers the UAV’s flight control signal over single-mode fiber and boosts it to achieve improved range.
  • Last but not least, we launched our brand-new RFoF Ultra product line, which is designed to meet the demand of customers in the Electronic Warfare market who need coax replacement at frequencies reaching 12GHz and 18GHz.

Overall, we can look back at a successful 2024.

Looking forward to 2025

As for 2025, we have a clear strategy to go forward. We will be focusing on three product groups: Off-the-shelf RFoF links (our programmable, Ultra, and high SFDR product series), Optical Delay Lines, and customized solutions. This focus will also be part of our new website, which we are planning to launch during Q2 2025. The main markets that we address are 5G Cellular, EW & Radar, Drone/UAV, Testing & Measuring, Government & Defense, Mines & Emergency services, RF Satcom mmWave & LEO solutions, Broadcast Radio Telescope, and Broadcast.

On our new website, you will also find our main solutions & applications that are part of three main categories: 5G RFoF subsystems, RFoF GPS over fiber, and Electronic Warfare (EW) & Radar.

We expect that the EW sector will dominate, with a rising demand for Defense applications, including ODL, multi-channel phase-matched and phase-corrected signaling, remote antenna, remote ground station and fiber-controlled drones, target simulator, delayed signal processing, delayed repeater, direction finding (DF) and interferometry, and true time delay wideband phased array.

As a company, we are planning to expand our presence in the Far East, especially in strategic markets such as Japan and Vietnam.

Based on the success of last year, we will increase our participation in professional exhibitions, such as the Tyndall AFB Tech Expo, that we participated in last year.

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The importance of RFOptic’s presence at the Tyndall Air Force Base Tech Expo 2024

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On December 10, 2024, we, as RFOptic, co-exhibited at the Tyndall Air Force Base Tech Expo together with Southern Marketing Associates (SMA, Inc.). Hosted by the 325th Communications Squadron, the event took place in Panama City, FL. After setting up our booth early, we were ready to meet captains, majors, other officers, and members from EW and engineering wings during their walkabout.

We were invited to deliver a speech to the Tyndall AFB leadership presenting RFOptic and explaining about our mission, solutions, and, in general what we do and stand for. We introduced our three RFoF product lines (0.5MHz to 6GHz RFoF programmable, 0.1GHz up to 67GHz HSFDR RFoF, and ODL and Altimeter ODL) as well as our custom solutions, such as DF/Phase match, optical mixer, phase control, and HD systems. It was received well and resulted in several officers visiting us directly afterward.

From those meetings, it is clear that their main interest is in remote antenna and simulator applications. Our RF over Fiber high SFDR for satellite remote antenna applications consist of outdoor and indoor end-to-end solutions up to 40GHz are suitable for Ku and Ka satellite antennas. The indoor terminal can be installed up to several kilometers from the outdoor solution that can be controlled remotely. This especially useful if a LAN connection near the antenna is impossible.

Our Altimeter RADAR Test solution is a high-frequency Altimeter Optical Delay Line (ALT ODL) solution for testing and calibration of radar altimeter systems. Benefits include very high accuracy and a maximum altitude of 100,000 feet or 30 km in one enclosure.

The Tyndall AFB Tech Expo aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and education by bringing together government and industry to address mission requirements and technology solutions to address mission requirements and technology solutions. What made this event unique, was that all organizations, units, and tenant commands were invited to explore, assess, and learn about current and upcoming technologies.

  • Innovation helps Tyndall AFB personnel to stay current on industry trends, evaluate the latest emerging technologies related to its mission, and explore innovative solutions to current challenges.
  • Collaboration consists of connecting Tyndall AFB personnel with industry partners (such as RFOptic), meeting new solutions providers, and discovering ways to adapt new technologies into existing infrastructures.
  • Education focuses on sharing knowledge on future requirements, learning about enhancements to current products and services, and supporting industry outreach.

It was an excellent opportunity for Tyndall AFB personnel to identify potential solutions and products worth exploring further. In general, we talked to many potential customers who showed a specific interest in our offerings.

To learn more, contact us.

Our participation in IMS2024 was a great success!

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In June, we participated for the first time in IMS2024. The IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium is a yearly event. This year, it took place in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, offering exhibitors a chance to connect with 9,000+ members of the RF and Microwave community from across the globe.

At our booth, we showcased our RFoF & ODL solutions for Electronic Warfare & Radar, 5G testing, and DAS applications, attracting many visitors. We received visitors from all over the world representing government agencies, major system integrators, and commercial enterprises active in the 5G cellular, satcom, broadcast, government & defense, testing & measuring, and Electronic Warfare & Radar industries.

We talked to more than 100 visitors who left their details to be contacted after the show, which resulted in sending out several proposals for RFoF solutions.

Our live demo got a lot of attention from interested parties, who asked our experts detailed questions.

The show also gave us a good opportunity to meet some of our distributors to catch up. We had meetings with representatives from Municom GmbH, our distributor for Central Europe, Fusoh Shoji Co., Ltd. from Japan, Amtele Communication, our distributor for Scandinavia, Matech from France, and Mitron from China.

The show demonstrated that there is a growing demand for the type of RF over Fiber subsystems and solutions that we, as RFOptic, offer.

Our next participation in an international exhibition will be at the upcoming European Microwave Exhibition. EuMW 2024 will take place during September 24-26 in the Paris Convention Center, 1 place de la Porte de Versailles 75015 Paris. At the event, we will co-exhibit in booth 422b of the company MATECH. We will showcase our advanced solutions for RFoF & ODL solutions for Electronic Warfare & Radar, 5G testing, and DAS applications. If you are interested in setting up an appointment with our VP Mr. Oz Abramson, during the event, click here.

How RFOptic’s RFoF system for 2-way radio networks improves communication & reliability in mining operations

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Outdoor EnclosureIn general, effective communication is crucial for ensuring safety, productivity, and operational efficiency in the rugged and demanding environment of a mine site. Traditional two-way radio networks often suffer signal degradation, limited coverage, and high maintenance costs. This case study by RFOptic’s distributor D2N – Technology Solutions  explores how implementing an RFoF system improved reliability, lowered maintenance costs, and provides enhanced operational capabilities.

A mining company relying on a conventional two-way radio network suffered from frequent signal losses, especially in remote or underground areas. Maintenance costs were high due to the need for regular antenna adjustments, cable replacements, and signal amplification equipment that was prone to failure and provided limited feedback in terms of system performance and configurability.

The customer was facing several challenges:

  • Signal Degradation – Terrain features, such as hills and tunnels, caused signal degradation and dead zones, hampering communication between personnel.
  • Limited Coverage – The existing radio network needed more coverage, leading to communication blackouts in critical areas of the mine.
  • High Maintenance Costs – To address signal issues, constant maintenance and upgrades were required, leading to increased operational expenses.
  • Reliability Concerns – Unreliable communication impacted safety protocols and operational coordination, posing risks to personnel and assets.

To solve these issues, D2N deployed an RFoF system by RFOptic that converts RF signals into optical signals, allowing for the transmission of radio signals over long distances without signal degradation. Reported benefits include:

  1. Improved communication
    The RFoF system significantly improves communication reliability and coverage. Personnel can now communicate seamlessly, even in previously problematic areas.
  2. Enhanced Safety
    Reliable communication enhanced safety protocols, enabling quick response to emergencies and improved coordination during daily operations.
  3. Lower Maintenance Costs
    The system’s robust design and reduced signal degradation minimizes the need for frequent maintenance, resulting in cost savings.
  4. Operational Efficiency
    With reliable communication channels established, operational efficiency has been increased as personnel can now collaborate effectively, leading to smoother workflows and reduced downtime.
  5. Scalability
    The modular nature of the RFoF system allows for easy scalability as the mine site expands or new communication needs arise.

Conclusion

By adopting an RFoF system, the customer transformed communication at its mine site, addressing longstanding challenges related to signal degradation, limited coverage, and high maintenance costs. By leveraging RFOptic’s advanced technology, improved reliability, enhanced safety, lower maintenance expenses, and increased operational efficiency were achieved. This ultimately contributes to a more productive and secure work environment.

The challenges that the customer experienced are well-known. Critical sites, such as tunnels and mines, often suffer from limited communication. To address this problem, RFOptic provides RFoF/GPS solutions for mines, tunnels, and underground transportation systems. Its RF over fiber links 2.5GHz, 4GHz, 6GHz, and GPS are used in mines and tunnels where wireless solutions are limited due to line of sight. The solutions can also be used for accurate timing or RF communication signals to/from above ground into mines, tunnels, and underground/subway systems.

Why receiving a purchase order from NEC Corp. is an important milestone for RFOptic

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As RFOptic, we are proud to have received our first purchase order for our RFoF offering from NEC Corp. Founded in 1899 as Nippon Electric Company, Limited, NEC Corporation is headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan with operations across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific. NEC provides information and network technology solutions to the aviation, aerospace, healthcare, agriculture, retail, broadcasting, logistics, finance, government, hospitality, manufacturing, transportation, and telecom industries. NEC Corporation is also active in the field of RF over Fiber.

At RFOptic, we offer our customers various RFoF solutions. These 5G subsystems, using fiber optic transmissions, are designed to meet the growing demand for active remote antennas, coax cables replacement in test facilities, and 5G/6G network testing. We also provide a DAS extension solution, in case the cable solution cannot meet the required system parameters, and a 5G GPS over Fiber (GPSoF) solution. Our 5G mm-Wave active antenna solution consists of our customized RF over Fiber high SFDR for 5G mm-Wave active antenna arrays to handle and support the required distance and bandwidths.

RFOptic also provides RFoF solution to Electronic Warfare and Radar vendors.

To learn more, contact us.

(Image courtesy of NEC Labs)