ETL Systems, a global designer and manufacturer of RF signal distribution equipment for satellite communications, announced it will provide RF equipment to a large U.S. government defense contractor. This was a highly competitive bid and ETL was selected after providing a successful equipment demonstration at the agency’s facility, which showed the unique form factor and performance attributes of its Vulcan matrix system. The Vulcan (see figure, left) is a compact 16U high 128 inputs x 128 inputs distributive matrix with dual redundant power supplies and CPUs, and hot-swappable RF components.
Fresh Starts
Lockheed Martin has expanded its vibration measurement capabilities for testing satellite systems, with a 450-channel PULSE vibro-acoustic data acquisition system. Supplied by BruÌel & Kjær, the system is based on standard, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) PULSE LAN-XI Data Acquisition Hardware. The modular hardware allows individual modules to be used freely, as standalone front-ends or collectively in frame-based configurations, making it suitable for testing large structures such as satellites and spacecraft.
UK-based Intertek has partnered with Rohde & Schwarz to expand its industry conformance and carrier-acceptance testing capabilities. Building upon the foundation set forth by LTE, and its ongoing relationship with Rohde & Schwarz, Intertek has upgraded its testing capabilities in the areas of A-GNSS & OTDOA performance; E-911 over IMS protocol; eMBMS RF, performance, video performance and protocol; LTE carrier aggregation RF performance, data throughput performance and protocol; IMS/VoLTE protocol; video telephony (audio & video) performance; RCS protocol; ePDG/WiFi over IMS calling; and WiFi offloading.
National Technical Systems Inc., a provider of environmental simulation testing, inspection, and certification solutions in the United States, has acquired Dunstable, UK-based National Quality Assurance, one of the largest ISO registrars in the world. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Raytheon will expand its Indianapolis, Ind., facility and add approximately 250 jobs to support its work in depot and modernization services. The facility, which already employs 1,000 people, also develops leading-edge soldier-worn computers, provides weapons system sustainment, supply chain management and systems engineering, among other services, to commercial and military customers.
PCTEST Engineering Laboratory Inc. has upgraded its Rohde & Schwarz R&S TS8980FTA-2 and R&S CMW500 systems to accommodate the new 4G/LTE test plans for industry conformance and carrier acceptance testing.
Dialog Semiconductor and Bluetooth Smart wireless technology announced a global distribution agreement with Digi-Key Corp. Dialog’s SmartBond Basic and Pro development kits are in stock for immediate delivery. The kits offer engineers a fast and easy route to developing intelligent connected devices, particularly where small size and low power consumption are critical, such as in battery-powered wearables and other IoT applications.