RADAR
operating life without field maintenance and
allows airports to avoid unscheduled
interruptions and downtime for maintenance
before the entire rotary joint assembly is
removed for scheduled factory service.
Azimuth positioning generator (APG) and
drive system: The APG is used to
synchronize return data with azimuth
position. The typical Diamond Antenna
APG drive system includes a large diameter
shaft mount to transfer rotation from the
main bearings to a precision gear located
concentric to the axis of rotation. The main
gear then transfers position to one or two
smaller gears, precisely located relative to the
main gear. All gears are rated AGMA 14 or
better in order to ensure accuracy. Solid
stainless-steel rods transfer the motion to the
encoder shafts.
6 Diamond Roltran Roll-Ring Cross Section, revealing the rolling
electrical contact which provides extended operating life without
field maintenance
7 Closeup of Diamond Roltran Roll Ring which provides ample
shock tolerance with low torque, low resistance, and low noise
8 Upgraded RF rotary joint with fiber optic for increased data
transfer
Fiber optic rotary joints (FORJ): This is
the optical equivalent of the electrical slip
ring. The FORJ allows uninterrupted
transmission of an optical signal while
rotating along the fiber axis and provides
data rate transfer to 10Gbit/s. Single and
multi-mode transmission is available in one
or multiple fiber optic channels.
Fluid rotary joints: A fluid/media rotary
union allows the transfer of air, gas or liquid
through the rotational interface. Liquid
transfer is often required for the cooling of
components at the antenna. One or more
channels can be integrated within the
rotating subsystem.
Effective long-term operation of an ATC
radar depends partially on the reliability of
the rotary joint channels. New technology
and capabilities are permitting old radar
76 AIR TRAFFIC TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2020
subsystems to be overhauled at a fraction of
the cost of replacement. Similarly, ATC and
military radar manufacturers seeking
upgrades can incorporate integrated RF
rotating subsystems and components such as
fiber optic rotary joints, fluid/media rotary
unions, and low maintenance slip rings.
Dependable & aordable
For over 60 years, Diamond Antenna and
Microwave has been a global supplier,
designer and manufacturer of RF rotary
joints and rotating subsystems. It is the leader
in maintenance, overhaul, repair, upgrades
and new installation of integrated RF rotating
subsystems for ATC and military radar. The
company provides dependable and affordable
service, without sacrificing the quality
needed to ensure reliable performance. v
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