THE NEW GENERATION OF COMPACT, FLEXIBLE, ANTENNA CONTROLLERS

Abstract

TIW Systems has developed a modern, compact, modular, antenna controller (ACU) for telemetry, tracking, and communications antennas. The controller combines the functions of an antenna control unit, a position conversion/display chassis, and a polarization control unit. By using plug-in cards, a tracking receiver, autophasing control unit, tracking synthesizer, and other functions can be added. Depending on the requirements, the tracking receiver can be a simple wide-band steptrack receiver, or can be a full function phase-locked-loop (PLL) autotrack receiver. In the past, all this capability would have taken a large portion of an entire equipment rack. The unit uses modern microprocessor technology for digitally controlling the position and rate of the antenna. Advanced tracking modes and remote control can be added by connecting an external computer (PTIC) to one of the ACU’s serial ports. The PTIC also provides a user friendly operator interface through the use of high resolution color graphics and easy to understand menus.