Programmable 6.0GHz RF over Fiber
Table of Contents
Introduction
RFOptic’s innovative controllable RFoF product line consists of palm-size analog RFoF modules that are used to convert RF signals to optical signals to carry over long distances. The Tx unit using an optical transmitter, converts RF to the optical signal and the Rx unit converts back to the RF signal. The two units are connected through the customer’s single-mode fiber.
RFOptic’s RF over Fiber (RFoF) modules are suitable for telecommunications, satellite, radio telescopes, distribution antennas, broadcasting audio and video, and timing synchronization. For example, point-to-point antennas can be connected from several meters to many kilometers away from the control room by fiber cables; Base stations can be connected through fiber to remote sector antennas; Satellite antennas can be connected through fiber cable to remote sites by RF over Fiber solutions.
Both the Tx and Rx units include LNAs and variable attenuators that enable the customer to adjust the Noise Figure, Input P1dB, and IP3 with wide dynamic range values. The LNA can be operated through the RFoF software allowing RF input power in the range of -100 dBm/1MHz for wideband applications, with a low Noise Figure of 6 dB. The RFoF link has excellent gain flatness with 0.5dB gain tracking between different links. For special applications requiring temperature stability operation, a unique algorithm supporting ±1dB over 100° C has been developed. The DC power of the RFoF modules is flexible from 5 to 12 Volts.
A user-friendly RFoF software enables adjustment of the RF and Optical parameters, such as link gain, Noise Figure, P1dB, Optical power, LED indication, and module information, either locally or remotely.
Furthermore, the RFoF link has full diagnostic capability, including Tx, Rx, and complete link test (Optical and RF). These features save the cost of test equipment and provide real-time diagnostics of any deployed link.
The link gain calculator helps to calculate the link gain and the optical predicted parameters for RFOptic’s programmable RFoF family.
Key Features
- Next- generation RFoF modules with significant performance improvement.
- Supports frequencies from 1MHz up to 6.0GHz.
- Better linearity, excellent gain flatness, and Tx, Rx, and Link gain control.
- Noise Figure down to 6 dB with LNA with MDS ~-168 dBm/Hz for very low incoming signals.
- Excellent Phase Noise
- Internal microcontroller allows RF and Optical control, enabled by software.
- End-to-end diagnostics reduces installation and maintenance time, enabled by software.
- Gain variation S21 (fo) of ±1dB for 100° C variation, utilizing special algorithm.
- Remote management by GUI installed on PC.
- Impedances of 50 and 75 Ohm
Monitoring
- Managed remotely by software or locally through a navigation switch
Configurations
- Outdoor enclosure (unidirectional/bi-directional)
- 1U Generic enclosure (4 units)
- (1,2,3)U Removable panel enclosure (4/8/12) units
Applications
- Remote Antennas Communication
- Satcom
- 4G LTE
- Broadcast
- Distributed Antenna
- Radio telescopes
Programmable 6.0GHz RF over Fiber specifications
| Electrical | Unit | Specification(typical) | Specification(typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LNA “OFF” | LNA “ON” | ||
| Frequency Range | MHz | 1 - 6000 | 1 - 6000 |
| Adjustable Link Gain (nominal value) [1] | dB | 7 | 37 |
| Attenuator 31 dB (Tx, Rx) [2] | dB | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Gain Flatness | dB | ±2.5 | ±2.5 |
| Input P1 dB [3] | dBm | -3 | -33 |
| Noise Figure [3] | dB | 27 | 6 |
| SFDR [3] | dB/Hz2/3 | 104 | 100 |
| Uncorrected gain variation over temperature | dB | ±3.5 | ±3.5 |
| Corrected gain variation over temperature [4] | dB | ±1.5 | ±1.5 |
| Corrected gain tracking between RFoF links [5] | dB | ±0.5 | ±0.5 |
| Maximum Input No damage | dBm | 20 | 20 |
| Spurious (input signal at Ip1dBc - 3dB at 1GHz) [6] | dBc | -85 | -75 |
| Phase Noise at 6GHz at 10KHz Offset | dBc/Hz | -135 | - |
| VSWR Input / Output | dBm | 1.7:1 | 1.7:1 |
| Input / Output impedance [7] | Ohm | 50 | 50 |
| Optical and Electrical | |||
| Current consumption of Tx unit (at 5VDC) | mA | 260 | 385 |
| Current consumption of Rx unit (at 5VDC) | mA | 225 | 225 |
| Laser diode wavelength | µm | 1.31 or 1.55 | 1.31 or 1.55 |
| Optical Power in the fiber | mw | 2.3 ±0.5 | 2.3 ±0.5 |
| LED status indicators (Tx/Rx) | - | RGB | RGB |
| Mechanical and Environmental Parameters | |||
| Operating temperature [8] | °C | -20 to +70 | -20 to +70 |
| Storage temperature | °C | -40 to +85 | -40 to +85 |
| EMC and Safety [9] | - | CE & FCC | CE & FCC |
RFoF 6.0GHz module options
| Parameter | RFoF Tx/Rx Units | 19" 1U Enclosure for RFoF | RFoF 6.0GHz Outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (mm) | 70(W)*70(L)*22(H) | 19" 1U Generic: 445(W)*476(L)*44(H)19" 19" 1/2U Removable: 442(W)*402(L)*44(H) | Big Outdoor: 330(W)*350(L)*85(H) Small Outdoor: 270(W)*230(L)*85(H) |
| Number of units | — | Up to 8 Up to 4 | Up to 6 Up to 4 |
| RF I/O Connector | SMA female | SMA female | N Type female |
| Optical Connector | FC/APC or SC/APC | FC/APC or SC/APC | MPO/APC 4/8 male [10] |
| Data Connector | Micro USB | USB2/RJ45[14] | RJ45 female [11] |
| Power Connector | PIN 3.5*1.3*9 mm | HP Socket [13] | DC female/ AC male [11,12] |
| Power | 5—12 VDC | 110 / 220 VAC | 9—36 VDC / 110 / 220VAC |
- LNA ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ is factory set by RFOptic or by using RFoF user software.
- ‘No Attenuation’ is the default setting for Tx & Rx units. Attenuation values of 0 — 31dB in 0.5dB steps can be selected via the user software.
- Noise Figure, Input P1 dB, Input IP3, and SFDR (measured at 1.5GHz), can be selected by ‘LNA Off/ON’ and the Tx Attenuator.
- Using the software’s internal temperature compensation algorithm.
- Using the Tx and/or Rx Attenuators.
- LNA On: Tx pre-amplifier gain of +31dB.
- 75Ω impedance is optional using the SMA/BNC adaptor.
- RFoF units for (-)40°C — 85°C are available.
- Safety EN60950-1:2006(2nd); EMC: ETSI EN 300 386 v1.6.1 (2012-04) and FCC CFR-47-part 15 Sub part B..
- Customer should order the MPO 4/8 optical cable (female) customer according to required length and conditions. Example: GoFoton: P/N BPF3P1SM015FLR020 (4 fibers)/BPF3P1FM015FLR021 (8 fibers). XXX = 15m fiber length.
- IP-54 Data, AC and DC opposite connectors are provided as accessories with the module (cables are not included).
- DC and AC versions of the outdoor enclosures are available.
- 2 cable clamps to secure the RFoF Tx/Rx units’ power adapter cables are provided.
- For USB control, download software here: rfoptic.com/software-download-rfof/ (Ask your local representative for password.)
Programmable 6.0GHz RFoF– Simplified Block Diagram
Programmable 6.0 GHz RFoF: Test Results (Typical performance with Tx and Rx attenuators set to 0dB)
Mechanical Outline Drawing: Programmable 6.0GHz RFoF Rx & Tx units
Connector: Positive center plug OD: 3.5mm, ID: 1.3mm, L: 9mm
Ordering Information
| Part Number | Product Description | Tx | Rx |
|---|---|---|---|
| RFoF-6.0GHz-1310-Prog | 6.0GHz Transceiver 1310, FC/APC, Programmable | RFoF6T3FR-PA-11 | RFoF6R3FR-PA-11 |
| RFoF-6.0GHz-1550-Prog | 6.0GHz Transceiver 1550, FC/APC, Programmable | RFoF6T5FR-PA-11 | RFoF6R5FR-PA-11 |
| RFoF-AC-DC-Prog | 2*220/110 AC/5VDC adapter for Programmable* | — | — |
| RFoF-AC-DC-Prog-1 | 1*220/110 AC/5VDC adapter for Programmable | — | — |
* Since each RFoF module requires one AC/DC adapter, 2 adapters will be needed for a link
Options:
- For outdoor or rack mount options, please contact RFOptic
- SC/APC adaptor is an option
Contact information: Tel. Int.: +972-76-540 0180, Tel. USA: +1 708 RFOPTIC, To contact us directly, click here