This system was designed for NATO as an upgrade to part of their air defense radar network.
The Transmitter Control Unit (TCU) monitors, controls and protects the klystron-based transmitter
subsystem. This product is delivered as a finished equipment rack.
Technical
The TCU is based upon a custom data acquisition and control system paired with a COTS touch screen computer. The control system is comprised of custom digital, analog, and CPU boards all communicating over a custom backplane. An Ethernet interface provides communication between the control chassis, the touch screen PC, and an optional remote display/control console.
Radars by their nature are pulsed systems and the DSP-based analog cards can perform real-time capture-and-intercept any pulse which might stress the transmitter. The captured waveforms can be later recalled on the display during troubleshooting and maintenance operations. The digital cards monitor a myriad of input signals and can turn off power and RF to prevent damage during real-time fault conditions. The digital output signals are used for normal mode and test mode control of the transmitter subsystem.
A special built-in-test mode allows this system to fully control the transmitter during maintenance operations and a variety of front panel test points allow maintenance personnel to quickly analyze and debug transmitter problems.
