DEV Pocket-sized optical RF transmission links for Standalone use

 

September 28, 2012

 Barely larger than a pack of cigarettes, DEV Systemtechnik’s new OPTRIBUTION® Desktop Modules can transmit Radio Frequency (RF) signals over fiber optic links of up to 5 kilometers over the Extended L-band. The new products offer advantages for use in cable TV heads, as well satellite newsgathering (SNG) vehicles. With options for low-budget applications and test setups, the new modules also offer a low-cost alternative to DEV’s standard OPTRIBUTION® models, which feature more redundancy, control and monitoring functions, and higher design availability.

The first OPTRIBUTION® Desktop Modules are the DEV 7285 transmitter and DEV 7385 receiver, which are stand-alone modules for optical transmission of RF signals in the 700 to 2300 MHz range. Measuring just 138 x 42 x 23 millimeters, the Desktop Modules are perfectly suited for space-limited applications, such as in TV news gathering vehicles. For satellite antenna hook-ups, the transmitter modules offer an output port for LNB bias current supply.

In addition to saving physical space, the new Desktop Modules offer significant cost-savings, compared to DEV’s standard OPTRIBUTION® models. For example, a link established with four DEV 7285/7385 costs about 25% less than a comparable configuration using two DEV 4111s, which are larger, more feature-rich units. The Desktop Modules offer an attractive new alternative for cost-sensitive applications and markets. Their combination of mechanical, electrical and optical parameters is also unique in the industry.