SpacePath Communications (‘SpacePath’) has showcased their new, Universal Controller.
As part of SpacePath’s controller system portfolio, the new SPC3U02 Universal Controller is a user-friendly unit housed in a 3RU chassis that can be configured to operate as many as three amplifiers along with three switches. Featuring a 7 inch touchscreen on its front panel, the intuitive digital display not only allows easy configuration of single thread or redundant 1:1, 1:2 and 1+1 phase, combined configurations with air-to-load and polarity switching combinations — but in conjunction with the SpacePath Universal Amplifier Mounting System — can provide a flexible, sub-system approach.
Communication between controller and amplifiers is provided via a single cross site Ethernet connection. A new web-based GUI is also available which provides clear indication of amplifier status and RF switch routing.
A Beacon Receiver Input facilitates local connection to the controller which then remotely communicates to each of the amplifiers. The Uplink Power Control (UPC) can then be enabled to automatically control the uplink power to cater for all weather conditions.
The controller’s touchscreen can be locked and a user login can be set to restrict access. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is also supported to allow the operator to easily add the system into an existing M&C system.
SpacePath’s high performance uplink amplifiers cover all mission-critical segments that include satellite newsgathering (DSNG), flyaway or truck-based systems, fixed-Earth stations and military satellite communications (MILSATCOM).