Congestion of the electromagnetic environment drives Defence organisations to seek higher frequencies, causing many problems with signal fidelity and strength of existing routing and distribution. Our RF over Fibre solution removes these problems and provides increased detection and engagement range, which in turn provides:
- A greater decision-making window
- A more detailed picture of adversary activities
- Improves responses, critical to maintaining a tactical edge
RF as a Service (RFaaS) is our RF over Fibre solution for enhanced maritime electronic warfare. RF signals between antennas and signal generators/receivers are converted into the optical domain for distribution via RF over Fibre. The lossless nature of the fibre optic cabling enables antennas to be placed in optimised positions for performance, and the hub/star network topology of the optical distribution enables any antenna feed to be routed to any signal receiver (and vice versa for signal generators).
The any-to-any mapping of antennas to signal receivers/generators means that RF signals can be distributed to and from any equipment in any ship compartment with a fibre optic feed, providing RF signals on request; RFaaS.
How might RFaaS be structured?
Our RFaaS solution has 3 elements:
- Antenna suite
- Distribution room
- Receiver room(s)
This setup is illustrated below using RFaaS for an Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system as an example, along with the primary functions of each logical element:
Related insights
Read our latest case study.
PPM Systems: proven COTS-based solutions
M543020: RFaaS COTS solution
| Parameter | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | 100 kHz to 40 GHz for DETECT functionality, with LOCATE from 0.5 to 40 GHz, and DEFEAT up to 18 GHz. |
| RF performance | NF of 3 to 17 dB frequency dependent, P1dB of -20 to -30 dBm, IIP3 of -20 to -10 dBm, and SFDR of 97 to 106 dB/Hz2/3. Performance can be further tuned to customer requirements. Transmit ERP from 50 to 120 W dependent on frequency. Optimised for Barrage jamming, but compatible with complex/modulated DEFEAT signals. |
| Modular architecture | Easily swap antenna CCUs (without any other changes to the system) to keep the system current with the operational environment. New antennas added by scaling extant products in solution. |
| Environmental | IP67 rated with operating temperature -40 °C to +55 °C for all external equipment, corrosive salt environment protected. Designed for operation in harsh maritime environments as per DefStan 00-035. |
| Ease of installation | Up to 3 km cable run between antenna CCU and radio equipment enabling optimised positioning for maximum effect. Ruggedised fibre cable that can use existing coaxial cable runs. |
Find out more
See the brochure below or contact us to discuss how RFaaS could suit improve your application.
