Maximising link quality and reliability in VHF/UHF SATCOM (sponsored)
This article is brought to you by AR Modular RF
To ensure effective VHF/UHF Satellite communications, a number of variables must be considered. Providing superior up and downlink performance, as well as properly setting up the Receive path to maximise the link quality and reliability, are two key factors.
In response to these requirements, AR Modular has developed the RF Model AR-50 Booster Amplifier, which automatically detects and switches between Transmit and Receive paths with no operator intervention required.
For the Receive path, two modes are available: LNA-OFF and LNA-ON. The mode is selected using the Control Knob on the front panel of the Amplifier.
LNA -ON Mode: | LNA – OFF Mode: | |
---|---|---|
Usage | Areas with poor satellite reception due to receive angle or obstructions such at foliage, mountains, urban density. | Areas with good satellite reception. |
Receive Path | LNA Inserted, Gain: 12 dB Nominal Frequency: 240 to 270 MHz (Nom) | Straight Through, No LNA, Minimum Path Loss |
Co-Site Filtering | Added Rejection of signals outside SATCOM Bands is provided. | None |
The following plots illustrate typical AR-50 receiver performance over a sample of three units operating in the LNA-On Mode. The plots show a consistent gain and flatness performance between Amplifiers with superior out of band rejection.
Marker 1 247.5MHz, 12.73dBm

Marker 1 247.5MHz, 13.305dBm

Marker 1 247.5MHz, 13.23dBm

It is important to note that performance can vary from unit to unit and across operating and environmental conditions.
Many AR Modular RF Booster Amplifiers offer Receive path LNA with similar functionality and performance, including the:
• AR-50 • AR-50C2
• AR-50G • AR-50RC
• AR-50RCS • AR-50SAT75
• AR-75
AR Competitive Edge products supply a multitude of unique RF solutions to companies around the world. The company's limitless support network reaches the far corners of the globe. AR products are backed by the company's "Competitive Edge" warranty, the best and most comprehensive warranty in the industry. AR Modular RF tactical radio booster amplifiers are lightweight, extremely durable and easy to use. Battle-Tested, tough and dependable including support for new and emerging waveforms their products play a critical role in wireless, radio, tactical radio and military communications.
Contact AR Modular RF, 21222 30th Dr. SE, Building C, Suite 200, Bothell, WA 98021, USA, 425-485-9000; or on the web at www.arww-modularrf.com
More from Digital Battlespace
-
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
-
Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy
Israel will continue to develop autonomy for its weapons and platforms as it brings together defence personnel, academia and industry.
-
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
-
Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
-
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.