ETL’s New Dextra RF Range Offers Best Performance to Date

8 December 2013

ETL Systems, has released a new range of web-enabled professional splitters and combiners to cover the L-band frequency range.

The new Dextra series includes 4-way and 8-way splitters and combiners in both single and dual configurations and 16-way splitters and combiners, available as single units. The range offers consistently excellent RF performance, including high linearity and low noise figure, and outperforms some of the more expensive models available.

Users can control and monitor the LNB current, amplifiers and power supplies on the unit remotely by using the web browser interface and all units also feature flexible and configurable LNB power at the input ports of the splitters. Meanwhile relay contact alarms allow direct and simple control of external redundancy systems. Simple LED status is displayed on the front panel for ease of setup and diagnosis, backed up by comprehensive information available over the Fast Ethernet port and a front mounted RF monitor port.

“The new Dextra range offers a good mix of reasonable pricing and high performance,” said Bill Liberty, Head of Mechanical Design at ETL Systems. “It does outperform some of the more expensive units on the market and within its price range is the best performing model available. Usually you get good fundamental RF parameters with some connectors but with Dextra we’ve done a lot of work to make sure it gives a good level across all types.”

All Dextra splitters come with LNB power fitted as standard, providing 13V or 18V DC, as well as a 22kHz tone option. The supply is currently limited to 800mA to prevent damage to any external equipment and both high and low current alarms may be configured as the user desires. Remote configuration and monitoring of the LNB supply is simple with the 100base-TX Ethernet port offering a web browser interface and SNMP.

A comprehensive range of connectors is available, making Dextra easy to fit into new or existing systems. The new range can even offer 75/50Ω  or 50/75Ω impedance transformation with no extra attenuation or loss of performance. It operates over 850-2450 MHz allowing future proof systems to be configured. 

Users also have the option of upgrading their unit to include 1:1 redundant amplification. All units are supplied in a 1RU case for space efficient rack mounting and suitable for use across a number of applications, including broadcast, military and government.

“The amplifier chain is classically the weakest point in any unit,” said Liberty. “Giving the option of having two in each device makes the product even more reliable because if the first amplifier does fail the machine automatically switches to the second and prevents a complete blackout. This means customers can use it confidently across a large range of applications.”

ETL Systems is currently assembling its first Dextra units and expects to have provided them by the end of the year. The units are being produced and tested at ETL’s purpose-built facility, which is located next to the BT Madley Satellite Teleport in the UK.