ViaLite Communications

 ViaLite RF over fiber links are used in the satellite industry to transport satellite signals to/from antennas from/to control rooms.  The links can be operated in both the transmit or receive paths, and are typically intermediate frequency (IF) L-Band HTS,  70-140 MHz, C-Band or S-Band for Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) as well as 10 MHz reference links. 

ViaLite RF over fiber is used at large broadcast events to extend the range of the antennas that wireless cameras, microphones and production communications (in-ear monitors, intercoms and IFBs) use.  Distances of 300ft or more generally require RF over fiber, which is also more cost effective than using high quality coaxial cables (typically used for shorter distances).  A single fiber can also be used for multiple wireless cameras or devices. 

ViaLite RF over fiber links are commonly used in Broadcast-Satcom for the backhauling of outside broadcast content (such as news, live event and sporting coverage) to the studio.  This content is typically sent from production trucks or from regional news studios via satellite.  It is then received at the main broadcast studio for editing and production before being distributed, by uplink, to the viewers and other stations.

ViaLite‘s RF over fiber products are fully compatible with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) stations globally.

RF over fiber links can be used for the transportation of signals in numerous applications, including: military aerospace and defense electronic telemetry systems, missile testing, UAVs for remote sensing, wide bandwidth signal intelligence (SIGINT) monitoring, signal distribution between satcom ground station and local or remote antennas, real-time data transfer, and ground to air comms. ave you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.

ViaLite helps government, defense and corporate clients enhance their data security and operational integrity through the deployment of ViaLite RF over fiber transmission equipment.  The use of optical fiber provides added benefits in securing information-gathering centers against lightning and EMP strikes, as well as preventing attempts to eavesdrop or corrupt critical operational/sensitive data.its.

Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) systems provide the vital telecommunication link between satellites and spacecraft with the ground station. This link is used for the control and command of satellites in orbit and for deep space exploration.

TT&C systems provide the uplink for command and downlink for monitoring, through telemetry and tracking information provided to the satellite or spacecraft for monitoring its position in orbit. RF over fiber is then used to send these vital data signals, over very narrow bands, between the teleport antenna and command room. The fiber links give very good noise figure performance and provide signal stability.

Cellular

Base transceiver stations (BTS) require precise timing, particularly 4G/LTE networks and DAS.  Where a BTS is remotely located to the timing antenna, such as in a metropolitan area, RF over fiber can be used to connect the antenna to the BTS.  Other common areas where RF over fiber is utilized are: the subway/ underground, government and defense buildings or in DAS applications – distributor antenna systems

Network Timing

Network time servers also require an accurate time signal, which is usually produced by GPS.  Where a time server isn’t near a building roof or no copper is allowed into the building, RF over fiber is required for the GPS connection

ViaLite’s RF over fiber links (serial or RF GPS, UHF/VHF or L-Band HTS) are used to bring accurate timing or RF communication signals to/from above ground into demanding and harsh underground environments, such as mines, tunnels and underground/subway systems.

The systems ensure efficient communication between surface and underground operations thereby enhancing productivity and safety.  ViaLite has a proven track record in addressing customer applications for many communication technologies including:

• GPS
• Private Mobile Radio (PMR)
• TETRA
• GSM-R
• Cellular
• UHF/VHF Radio and TV signal distribution.

ViaLite RF over fiber links are used to take signals from antennas – located on maritime vessels’ communication towers – to equipment rooms below deck.

Signals needing transporting include:

• Satcom
• Radar
• GPS
• Direction finding.

Radar is an acronym for Radio Detection and Ranging or Radio Direction and Ranging. It can be used to detect, track and monitor aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain.

A radar system consists of a transmitter, a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna (the same antenna is often used for both), a receiver and processor.  RF over fiber products are used to convert the RF signal from the antenna into laser light, which is then sent over fiber to the receiver where it is then converted back to the RF electrical signal.

RF over fiber is used for test equipment in a number of applications including:

• Aerospace standards testing
• EMC / EMP / NEMP / HPM / HIRF
• High energy physics
• Defense and military standards testing
• HV switch gear testing
• Electromagnetic launch
• Automotive standards testing.
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ViaLite has a comprehensive range of RF links for the Satcom, Broadcast, Telemetry, Cellular and Timing markets etc. These include L-Band HTS, C-Band, Broadcast links, ViaLite’s SIGINT links and GPS links.

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For turnkey packages, meeting a number of standard link requirements, ViaLite offers a number of systems. These include Rain Fade Diversity, Long Distance and VSAT. Packages are offered as standard or can be tailored to specific customer requirements.

A range of options are available with ViaLite RF links, including WDM / CWDM / DWDM, SNMP Monitoring and Control (with GUI) and 1:1 Redundancy. A GPS Splitter and Digital Data and Ethernet links are also available

ViaLite 1U and 3U Rack Chassis units are available to house the RF link cards and these in turn can be housed in the ViaLite range of Outdoor Enclosures. The enclosures provide a cost-effective housing solution – in a variety of sizes – that can be used indoors or outdoors, and in environmentally harsh conditions. Enclosures are also available for 1-12 RF OEM modules and can be used to house customer-own equipment.

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A selection of GPS/GNSS products are available for timing distribution and accurate synchronization using GPS-derived timing signals. Products include the GPS RF over fiber link and Splitters.