Maximising link quality and reliability in VHF/UHF SATCOM (sponsored)
This article is brought to you by AR Modular RF
To ensure effective VHF/UHF Satellite communications, a number of variables must be considered. Providing superior up and downlink performance, as well as properly setting up the Receive path to maximise the link quality and reliability, are two key factors.
In response to these requirements, AR Modular has developed the RF Model AR-50 Booster Amplifier, which automatically detects and switches between Transmit and Receive paths with no operator intervention required.
For the Receive path, two modes are available: LNA-OFF and LNA-ON. The mode is selected using the Control Knob on the front panel of the Amplifier.
LNA -ON Mode: | LNA – OFF Mode: | |
---|---|---|
Usage | Areas with poor satellite reception due to receive angle or obstructions such at foliage, mountains, urban density. | Areas with good satellite reception. |
Receive Path | LNA Inserted, Gain: 12 dB Nominal Frequency: 240 to 270 MHz (Nom) | Straight Through, No LNA, Minimum Path Loss |
Co-Site Filtering | Added Rejection of signals outside SATCOM Bands is provided. | None |
The following plots illustrate typical AR-50 receiver performance over a sample of three units operating in the LNA-On Mode. The plots show a consistent gain and flatness performance between Amplifiers with superior out of band rejection.
Marker 1 247.5MHz, 12.73dBm

Marker 1 247.5MHz, 13.305dBm

Marker 1 247.5MHz, 13.23dBm

It is important to note that performance can vary from unit to unit and across operating and environmental conditions.
Many AR Modular RF Booster Amplifiers offer Receive path LNA with similar functionality and performance, including the:
• AR-50 • AR-50C2
• AR-50G • AR-50RC
• AR-50RCS • AR-50SAT75
• AR-75
AR Competitive Edge products supply a multitude of unique RF solutions to companies around the world. The company's limitless support network reaches the far corners of the globe. AR products are backed by the company's "Competitive Edge" warranty, the best and most comprehensive warranty in the industry. AR Modular RF tactical radio booster amplifiers are lightweight, extremely durable and easy to use. Battle-Tested, tough and dependable including support for new and emerging waveforms their products play a critical role in wireless, radio, tactical radio and military communications.
Contact AR Modular RF, 21222 30th Dr. SE, Building C, Suite 200, Bothell, WA 98021, USA, 425-485-9000; or on the web at www.arww-modularrf.com
More from Digital Battlespace
-
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
-
Australia looks towards space with force restructure, investment and training
Australia is looking to improve its presence in space with a focus on communications and creating a dedicated segment of its defence forces committed to the domain.
-
EID to unveil new vehicle communication system at DSEI
The Portuguese company’s naval communications system is in service across more than a dozen countries. It has turned to its home nation for support in developing a new vehicle based C2 system.