Earlier this year, e2v technologies of the UK completed an ESA supported project to develop 400 watt ODU's (see related links). It involved design and construction of ODU's for both C and Ku band units for harsh outdoor environments and able to withstand temperatures from -40° to 50° C.
The design incorporated both fixed and mobile applications. By using standard voltages, the units can be operated anywhere in the world.
|
Sixteen of the units (image right) have been constructed so far. e2v has also received firm orders for the unit and these are being put into service around the world. The units fully support Digital Transmission of both Internet or telecommunications. These two capabilities are very interesting to potential users such as, Satellite News-gathering teams and Earth Communication Station satellite hubs. |
750 watts
The next step for e2v is a range of ODU's with 750 watts. These Travelling Wave Tube satcom Amplifiers (TWTA's) will be suited for multiband, C, Ku, and X band as well as DBS at 500 watts. The key objective of the MRS+ project (see related links) is to design a common platform for all these TWTA variants.
Already in an advanced state of development, with construction of the first unit in progress, e2v expects to have the project market ready by the end of 2005.
Benefits for users
High power ODU's offer a variety of benefits. More transmission power means end users can select from smaller antennas and dishes, reducing costs and improving portability.
|
|
Another benefit comes to users located away from the centre of a satellite footprint (image left). At the edge of the footprint, less power is received from these users at the satellite. ODU's with power outputs as high as those designed by e2v compensate for this and maintain the required bandwidth. Users near the centre of the beam can benefit from the enormous increase in bandwidth like HDTV. |
Benefits for European industry
"In our business plan we identified that there is a gap in our current portfolio in the high power output outdoor market," explains Paul John of e2v technologies. "So far, there is only a weak European presence in the high power outdoor market leaving US suppliers with the major share. ESA Telecom funding and support was invaluable in achieving this design and we're confident of meeting or exceeding original sales targets.
Communications Engineer for ESA Telecom and Technical Officer in charge of the projects, Rolv Midthassel confirmed this: "The development of high-power Outdoor Units has significantly extended the range of amplifiers in e2v's product portfolio, giving them a boost in both European and international competitiveness. That ESA telecom supported this development demonstrates our commitment to European industry."
To read more on the e2v projects for increased ODU power just click on the links provided at the right of this page.
ODU image courtesy of e2v technologies
