Optical Delay Line | Mini ODL
Applications:
Radar Calibration & Testing
Signal & Phase Noise Processing
Extension of radar range site
RF Communications Links & Antenna remoting
Key features:
Suitable for L,S,C,X,Ku bands
Up to 15 usec single delay line
DC Supply
Compact Ruggedised enclosure
Low cost Solution
RFOptic's optical delay line ODL series provide a high performance solution for testing and calibration of radar systems or for RF Communication. The ODL converts analog RF signals at different frequency ranges to optical signals and back, utilizing direct or indirect modulation ODL architecture. The RF input signal is converted into an optical modulated signal, which is then transmitted into a single mode fiber, creating a fixed time delay defined by the fiber length. After passing the fiber, the optical signal is converted back into an electrical RF signal, which is identical to the input RF signal.
The ODL is operated as a standalone unit with no need for any intervention by the operator - it can be also controlled externally from a PC through RS232 or Ethernet interfaces.
RFOptic's ODL unit is a compact solution, which provides superb performance including accurate time delay, low spurious emission level, and with ultra silent operation. The ODL can be purchased with an integral switch unit supporting up to 8 predefined time delay values in one ODL unit.
For some applications, RFOptic offers MINI ODL solutions up to 6 GHz based on direct modulation. Mini ODL is offered also 0.1-18 GHz on indirect modulation basis. Typical parameters are presented below here.
Table below describes the typical specifications ODL . Parameter
Unit
Specifications
Note
RF and Electrical
Method
Direct Modulation
Indirect Modulation
Frequency bands
GHz
Up to 6GHz
0.1 - 18 GHz
Gain [1]
>0
-30
Delay Lines
µsec
≤ 15
<15
Delay Accuracy [2]
%
1%
1%
Delay Repeatability
%
0.1%
0.1%
1dB compression point (maximum linear)
dBm
0
15
Min input RF
dBm
≤ -70
≤ -80
Max input RF power no damage
dBm
10
23
Noise Figure (at 2.5 | 8 GHz)
dB
30
40
RF Flatness for all bands [3]
<±2.5
<±3.0
VSWR
-
2:1
2:1
Impedance
Ohm
50
50
Mechanical
1310 nm laser optical power (CW) For the signals and 1550 for the comm
mW
<5
<20
RF connectors
-
SMA
SMA
Main AC supply VDC
5
5
Enclosure mm
226*160*72
226*160*72
Operating Temperature 0C
0 - 60
0 - 60
Storage Temperature 0C
-40 - 85
-40 - 85
(1) Can be adjusted with pre/post amplifires.
(2) Delay accurecy not less then 25 ns for short delays.
(3) Additional ±0.5 dB deviation is considered within spec.