Planar Power Amplifier for Commercial Rail Communication System
Problem
A world leader in rail transport systems was informed by the supplier of a key component of their rail-side communication link that that it would no longer be produced. Instead, it would be replaced by a much lower output power version. Replacement of their communication infrastructure to accommodate the reduced range of the new system was simply not an option.
The customer approached CAP Wireless with the problem to quickly develop, qualify, FCC certify and deploy a booster amplifier to be used in conjunction with the lower power radio, all with total system transparency. The power amplifier had to boost the power from 5 to 30 Watts, operate on the same push-to-talk circuit as the radio, and provide a receive path into the radio to enable time domain duplex (TDD) operation. It had to be packaged in a compact housing at a cost low enough to use with the lower power radio.
Solution
Working from its extensive library of designs, CAP rapidly developed a UHF 8 dB gain, 30 watt power amplifier with an integrated low loss receive path that met their requirements. The unit was developed, built, tested, FCC certified, and available for deployment in 120 days. Thousands of units have been successfully fielded, with more being installed daily.
As a vital link in today's global economy, rail systems require instantaneous communications between the train and the control center for logistics and safety. CAP Wireless, working with an industry leader in transportation communications systems, developed a solution that enabled new technology radios to be used in conjunction with legacy equipment. The ruggedized power amplifier resides in trackside enclosures with the other transportation safety and communications equipment, to provide extended range and system margin to insure clear, clean, consistent communications.
