RF signal interceptor features adaptive pre-selector
Modern, automatic signal classifiers are able to simultaneously analyze several megahertz of spectrum for any signals of interest. The interception of the high frequency (RF) signals poses an exceptional challenge for the dynamic range of any receiver, especially when large and sensitive antenna systems are used.
Management of the RF energy reaching the AD converter by means of an analogue pre-selector is essential. The pre-selector implemented in the IZT R3500 allows the user to arbitrarily select a combination of one high-pass and one low-pass filter. These filters are then cascaded in the signal path electronically, but completely passively with no amplifiers in between. Within the input frequency range of 9 kHz to 40 MHz, a pool of high-pass filters with corner frequencies spaced in a ratio of approximately 1:1.26 can be selected.
This limits the amount of incoming signal energy and provides highly effective protection against unwanted IP2 products. The user can freely cascade one out of 12 high-pass filters with one out of 13 low-pass filters. In a very large signal situation, they can be combined to resemble a highly selective sub-octave filter bank. For broadband, automatic signal search algorithms, a bandwidth of several megahertz may be best suited. In a low power RF environment, the filters can be switched off completely.
The IZT R3500 supports up to four subchannels as IQ, complex FFT or PSD data over Ethernet.
Visit IZT GmbH at www.izt-labs.de
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