Allowing microwave signals to be fed to and from a radar antenna, such large rotating joint assemblies are an essential component of the S-band radar systems that are used around the world in air-traffic control, weather forecasting and shipborne applications.
“Creating such a device from scratch posed a significant design challenge,” said Link Microtek’s managing director, Steve Cranstone, “not least because it is a large and hugely complicated microwave assembly, consisting of one high-power waveguide channel, six coaxial channels and an integrated slip ring. Design and development of such large multichannel rotating joints firmly puts us on the map as a supplier. It also complements our existing range of small rotaries for satellite communications.
The rotating joint assembly incorporates one WR284 waveguide channel for 2.7-3.1GHz (S-band) transmissions up to a peak power of 200kW, four N-type coaxial channels for 2.7-3.1GHz transmissions up to a peak power of 1kW, two N-type coaxial channels for 1.0-1.1GHz (L-band) transmissions with a peak power 10kW, and a 35-way slip ring and brush block for feeding DC power to the antenna.
As is usually the case for radar applications, the assembly had been specified for continuous rotation at up to 60rpm, so the finished unit was subjected to a prolonged run-in programme and comprehensive electrical testing on a custom-built test rig at Link Microtek’s Basingstoke facility.
