72 / 84
new products
IZT Unveils Next Generation of its High
Performance Receivers
IZT GmbH expands its powerful RF receiver family
introducing the IZT R5000. The next generation of
high performance receivers combines up to 100 MHz
instantaneous bandwidth with the proven excellent RF
performance of the legacy IZT receivers. The R5000
covers the frequency range between 9 kHz and 18 GHz.
Received signals will be available as high resolution
spectrumdata in combination with up to four configurable
wideband I/Q data channels with user configurable
sample rates and independent center frequencies.
The wideband channels provide I/Q data between 5 MHz
and 100 MHz bandwidth. Additional 32 channels with up
to 4 MHz bandwidth each can be used for narrowband
monitoring, demodulation or analysis functionality
in software. A dual 10-Gbit optical interface ensures
adequate throughput in all operational scenarios.
The IZT R5000 gives system integrators direct access
to the control and data interfaces, where the received
RF signals will be available both in IQ and PSD format.
When combined with the IZT Signal Suite Software, the
new RF receiver also supports IZT’s patented technique
for frequency selective and dynamic recording of active
portions of the spectrum. This feature results in a
substantial reduction of required storage space.
“This new family of receivers uses latest digital signal
processing technologies on a compact and robust
hardware platform. This puts IZT in a leading position
to address demanding applications, for example
airborne direction finders or unattended outdoor nodes
for spectrum monitoring or Time-Difference-Of-Arrival
location finding” stated Rainer Perthold, CEO of IZT.
The IZT R5000 can be configured for TDOA (Time-
Difference-Of-Arrival) and DF (Direction Finding)
applications. Like the IZT R3000, the IZT R5000 series
will be available in various configurations andmechanical
form factors ranging from rack-based, single channel
indoor applications to multi-channel direction finding
receivers for outdoor or airborne applications.
Availability
The receivers will be available in late 2016. Initial
models include both a 19-inch 1U unit for rack-based
installations and a rugged mechanical variant for harsh
outdoor environments.
BAE Systems develops laser airspeed
sensor for aircrafts
In an aviation first, British scientists in Chelmsford have
successfully trialled a highly accurate laser airspeed
sensor for use in the next generation of high altitude
aircraft which will increase survivability while improving
performance and fuel efficiency.
The Laser Air Speed Sensing Instrument (LASSI)
which is being exhibited at this year’s Farnborough
International Airshow sets itself apart from conventional
methods as it accurately measures velocity even at low
speeds.
Conventionally, air speed is determined using pitot tubes
– which protrude from aircraft and sense variations in
air pressure with speed. Although usually heated, these
tubes are vulnerable to blockage in icy conditions. They
could also be damaged by collisions with birds and
when the aircraft is on the ground.
Operating on the same principle as roadside speed-
guns, the new technique works by bouncing ultraviolet
laser light off air molecules and measuring the change
in ‘colour’ of the reflections caused by the Doppler
Effect*. In layman’s terms, the further away from the
ultraviolet light the reflection is, the faster the aircraft
is travelling. Although invisible to the human eye, the
detector can identify minute changes in colour – which
indicate the aircraft’s airspeed.
Dr Leslie Laycock, Executive Scientist at BAE Systems
said, “LASSI is a ground-breaking piece of technology
which is challenging the conventional method of
measuring air speed.
“Conventional air data sensors which protrude from
the sides of aircraft must be carefully located to work
72 l New-Tech Magazine Europe