Web Page sponsor Oxley Developments
www.oxleygroup.com
————————————————————————
01 Dec 14. API Technologies Corp. has added the APPREG2 to its line of radiation-hardened (rad-hard) power management products. This new linear voltage regulator features an enable function that allows users to power up or power down certain sections of their system electronics, saving power and preserving the internal power chain. In addition to its distinctive enable function, the APPREG2 rad-hard, positive voltage regulator offers excellent temperature stability and a wide input/output voltage differential of 40V. These voltage regulators are offered in both adjustable and fixed output voltage configurations.
04 Dec 14. Thuraya Telecommunications Company, a leading Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) operator has increased its commitment to emergency communications response with the donation of Thuraya satellite phones to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Thuraya is providing the ITU with a supplementary stock of XT handsets to enable relief workers and first responders to connect and coordinate efforts during times of emergencies. Thuraya Chief Executive Officer Samer Halawi said the agreement further extends the use of its satellite equipment for disaster relief. “At Thuraya, we strongly believe in our purpose to save and improve lives. We remain deeply committed to continuing our involvement in emergency communications programs, and to strengthening our partnership with the ITU. We provide reliable, cost-effective and rapidly-deployable mobile satellite services to NGO customers around the world, and are delighted to leverage our experience in our enhanced long term partnership with the ITU.” Thuraya’s satellite equipment will enhance ITU’s capacity in deploying mobile communications to assist countries in preparing for disasters and in strengthening response and recovery mechanisms. Thuraya will also provide ITU with preferential airtime rates and technical training support.
20 Nov 14. USAF explores more efficient, jam-resistant data links. The US Air Force is looking to make better use of the electromagnetic spectrum by using higher frequencies that allow clearer, better focused signals that are more resistant to jamming than currently used systems. The service’s Materiel Command has issued a Request for Information asking for feedback on antennas, amplifiers and other technologies that would allow for directional tactical data links and networks that operate at higher frequencies. The Air Force also is seeking a level of waveform agility that would allow for signals to be adjusted when operating in crowded or contested spectrum environments. Making more efficient, jam-resistant use of the spectrum is a priority for the Defense Department, as it becomes ever more reliant on it for communications and operations while preparing to cede 500 MHz of bandwidth for commercial use and deals with increasingly contested environments. In directional networking, transmitters and/or receivers produce aperture gains—that is, an increase in power from a signal’s input to its output—that allow a greater amount of radiated energy to be focused on an intended receiver. That creates a narrower beam that reduces the chance of interference, and could increase network capacity, spectral efficiency and jam resistance while decreasing the chance it could be observed by passive threats, the RFI states.
The downsides of directional networking have included increased complexity, difficulty in establishing links between two aircraft and re-establishing links that have been lost. The Air Force is banking on advances in multi-element, multi-beam apertures that could make the process more efficient. The solicitation asks for information on the latest products and research and development in this field. The technical areas the RFI is seeking information on include: Antennas and power amplifiers: mu