201303.pdf 36567KB Mar 22 2013 09:11:22 PM

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INNOVatIONS & INNOVatORS
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Self-contained RF recording system
weighs less than 10 lbs
For less than $60,000, it is now possible
to record and play back RF signals to
evaluate radio signals all over the world.
The impressive thing is that no longer do you
need a technician and a van stocked with
rack-mounted equipment to collect data.
Now, if there is a problem with interference or
dropped calls, the carrier can send out a QRC
Technologies wideband transcorder (WBT)
and evaluate the signals in the lab.
A notable feature of the WBT is that it uses
an open-file format to record the data, so you
can collect signals off the air and run the data
through MATLAB—a good option for universities.
“Other tools have their own file format
that works only on their equipment,” notes
Tom Callahan, QRC’s chief technology officer.
“We have always been
good at making things simple.
This product is intentionally
designed to be friendly
to whoever might want to
use it.”
The WBT can record
2×25-MHz blocks of spectrum
between 50 MHz and
4.4 GHz. It is physically
stackable with other WBTs,
to enable simultaneous
recording/playback of larger
chunks of spectrum. The top
unit can remotely control the
other WBTs.
Other features include
84-dB instantaneous dy -
namic range; power consumption
of 60W typical,
25W idle; and the ability to
upgrade online. The first year
of upgrades is included. In addition, no external
receiver or transmitter is needed, playback
can be done at any frequency, and the interface
allows for one-button record/playback.
The WBT measures 18.7×12.4×3.1 in. and
contains an embedded GPS disciplined oscillator,
Gigabit Ethernet and eSATAp ports, a
removable CFAST flash card, and two bays
that use 2.5-in. solid-state disk drives for
continuous recording. An optional lightweight
power pack enables more than two hours
of use.
Pricing for the WBT begins at $59,995.
It is available for order immediately for July
shipping.—by Janine Love
▷QRC Technologies,
www.qrctech.com
talkback
“It always fascinated
me how
analogous physical
principles rule the
various engineering
disciplines. A
well-designed physics
course at the
high school or undergraduate
level
could incorporate
these analogies
and cement the
knowledge and
interest of budding
engineers.”
—commenter billyD, in response
to the article “three things they
should have taught in Engineering
101, Part 2: How to visualize electrical
components,” at www.edn.
com/4407227. Join the conversation
and add your own comment.
The wideband-transcorder
RF recording and
playback system from
QRC Technologies aids
interference and qualityof-service
identification
and resolution.
14 EDN | March 2013 [ www.edn.com ]