Fully Redundant Multi-kW Modular Flight Termination Turnkey System with Automatic Failover

WV Communications Command Transmitter Systems offer full redundancy with automatic failover. The SYS1019 is a multi-kW modular flight termination turnkey system with local control as well as Ethernet remote control and status, with full redundancy throughout the overall system.

Fully Redundant Turnkey System

This turnkey system incorporates all components required for a modern, fully redundant and robust Flight Termination System. WV offers IRIG / High Alpha (Secure Tone) and the latest EFTS formats on our equipment. All components are based on the latest technology available — microcontrollers, FPGA, and DSP building blocks — achieving a flexible design that allows firmware changes without modifications to the hardware.

High Power Amplifiers

High Power Amplifiers manufactured by WV Communications are designed and built in house. Our engineers specifically design for reliable and dependable operation with the latest available solid-state LDMOS and GaN transistors. The Class AB linear amplifier system efficiencies — including power supplies and all losses to the output port — are in the 50% range, allowing for quiet operation with minimal air cooling requirements. The dual 1kW redundant system can be ordered with a 3-phase or single-phase power supply. All power supplies are configured for N+1 redundancy at no additional cost.

WV amplifiers are designed in a modular fashion from both the RF and digital control aspects. All drawers are built to the exact same RF phase and amplitude standard, allowing the combining of multiple drawers into larger power amplifier systems. The digital status and control system is also modular and expandable via an internal RS-485 multi-drop bus, allowing multi-drawer systems to be built efficiently. Internal microcontrollers are used within each RF power module, monitoring the current, temperature, and output power of each of the internal dual transistors — allowing the operator to view internal temperatures and be aware of any faults before they become major.

The amplifiers allow for all modes of operation, including Variable Voltage Amplifier linear gain (VVA), Automatic Level Control (ALC), AM, FM, and pulse operation. Over-temperature protection, graceful degradation, and output VSWR protection are standard.

Exciters

Frequency-agile synthesizers with low noise characteristics in 100.0 kHz steps are standard (smaller steps optional), incorporating a DSP-based tone generator or commands for accurate operation. Features include deviation control, RF level control, external tones, and local control and status via a color LCD touchscreen, with remote status and control via both Ethernet and serial. Multiple options are available, such as discrete tone inputs, tone- or command-level front-screen operation of High Alpha (Secure Tone) and EFTS, portable mission command storage via removable memory interface, and a crypto interface.

Verification Receivers

Frequency-agile local oscillator synthesizers with low noise characteristics in 100.0 kHz steps are standard (smaller steps optional), incorporating a DSP-based tone or command decoder for accurate operation. Typical tone verification time is under 10 ms. The receivers provide accurate deviation level measurement, low noise figure, and 120 dB RSSI RF level indication with a high-dynamic-range front end, plus local control and status via a color LCD touchscreen and remote status and control via both Ethernet and serial. Multiple options are available, such as discrete tone outputs, tone- or command-level operation, High Alpha (Secure Tone) and EFTS, portable command storage via removable memory interface, and a crypto interface.