AOR RF-6G RF Front-End For System Integrators Instruction Manual
- June 10, 2024
- AOR
Table of Contents
AOR RF-6G RF Front-End For System Integrators
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the RF-6G RF Front-End, a super wide-band 500kHz-6GHz
RF tuner for your high-end signal interception system.
RF-6G is designed using the latest technology to ensure the highest level of
performance and reliability.
To obtain the best possible results from your RF-6G, we strongly recommend
that you read these operating instructions and familiarize yourself with the
unit.
Every effort has been made to make these instructions correct and up to date.
Due to continuous developments of the unit, we acknowledge that there may be
some errors or omission anomalies.
© This manual is protected by copyright AOR, LTD. 2022. No information contained in this manual may be copied or transferred by any means without the prior written consent of AOR, LTD. AOR and the AOR logo, are trademarks of AOR, LTD. All other trademarks and names are acknowledged.
MAIN FEATURES
- 500kHz-6GHz super wide-band coverage
- Ultra-fast 1ms switching synthesizer
- +/-0.1ppm frequency stability
- RF to IF gain +30dB (+/-2dB)
- 20MHz wide high-linearity IF bandwidth
- Excellent phase noise performance
- Two control interfaces: High-speed SPI 10Mbps or Asynchronous 115.25kbps
On all frequencies, RF-6G provides excellent tuning characteristics needed for professional signal analysis and signal strength measurement. Typical applications for RF-6G are the integration into high-end monitoring systems dedicated to wide-band radio monitoring, interference detection and investigation, field-strength measurements, frequency analysis, radio propagation research, and close-range detection of illegal eavesdropping devices.
SUPERB IF-OUT ACCURACY
The 71.95 MHz IF analog output offers 20MHz (+/-10MHz) of bandwidth for
external peripherals. Precise factory calibration ensures that the IF output
is correlated to the antenna input within only +/-2dB, and this on the entire
500kHz – 6Ghz receive range!
LOW NOISE DOWN CONVERTER
The 3GHz to 6GHz portion is realized by cleverly designed, internal down
conversion circuitry, offering ultra-low noise figures comparable to high-end
microwave-only receivers.
DDS LOCAL OSCILLATOR
An AD9912 1GSPS direct digital synthesizer, which features an integrated
14-bit digital-to-analog converter, is used at the 1st local oscillator stage
to ensure ultra-fast 1ms frequency switching.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR UNIT
There are no internal operator adjustments needed. In the unlikely event of
service being required, please contact us for technical assistance.
Do not use or leave the unit in direct sunlight. It is best to avoid locations
where excessive heat, humidity, dust and vibrations are present. Always keep
the RF-6G free from dust and moisture. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe
the external surfaces clean; never use abrasive cleaners or organic solvents
which may damage certain parts.
Treat the RF-6G with care; avoid spilling or leaking liquids into the unit.
Special care should be taken to avoid liquids from entering the connection
jacks.
The RF-6G is designed to operate from a good quality regulated DC power supply
of 10.7 to 16.0 V, which should be capable of supplying 2A. Never connect the
RF-6G directly to an AC power outlet.
The chassis of the unit is at negative ground.
RF-6G has no user adjustable internal parts.
The RF-6G has two antenna connectors. These are intended for connection to a
50Ω (unbalanced) coaxial fed antenna such as a discone, dipole, Yagi, etc.
When installing an antenna, avoid power cables. Ensure that you do not confuse
the antenna and the IF output connector as they are located close to each
other.
INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE
The following items are provided in this package:
- RF-6G RF Front-End unit x 1
- IDC-10P (27cm) ribbon cable x 1
- DB-9 female connector with shell x 1
- Operating instructions (this booklet)
FRONT PANEL CONNECTIONS
CONTROL INTERFACES
Asynchronous (DB-9) @ 115.25kbps
SPI (IDC-10P) @ 10Mbps
Connector Type: IDC-10P
| PIN | FUNCTION |
|---|---|
| 1 | NC |
| 2 | GND |
| 3 | PCK |
| 4 | GND |
| 5 | CLK |
| 6 | GND |
| 7 | SDI |
| 8 | GND |
| 9 | SDO |
| 10 | GND |
- Frequency: 33bits, 1Hz step
- Pre-amp and ATT: 2bits
- 00: Pre-amp ON
- 01: Pre-amp OFF
- 10: -10dBATT
- 11: -20dBATT
- Total length: 36bits
SPI interface wave form
Data
D32-D0 = Receiving Frequency 20MHz – 6GHz (Hz)
For example:
- 25MHz = 0x0017D7840
- 6GHz ＝ x165A0BC00
- D34-D33 = ATT (PreAmp)
- 00: Pre Amp on
- 01: Normal Operation
- 10: 10 dB ATT on
- 11: 20 dB ATT on
- D35: 0 = Reserved bit
Signal Level
- Hi-level: 3.5V – 2.5V
- Low-level: 1.0V – 0V
Timing
SPECIFICATIONS
- Input freq. range 500kHz – 6GHz
- Tuning resolution 1Hz
- Frequency stability +/-0.1ppm (after 5 minutes warm-up time)
- Frequency switching 1ms
- Output frequency 71.95MHz
- Output bandwidth 20MHz (*)
- Reference input ()** 10MHz +2dBm (+/-2dB)
- Gain 30dB
- Gain flatness +/-2dB
- Noise figure 12dB typ. @ < 1GHz
- Max. input level +15dBm
- Attenuation control 0, -10, -20dB @ <1GHz
- IP3 >3dBm @ <3GHz
- Antenna input 2 x SMA (selectable)
- Attenuator 0dB, -10dB, -20dB up to 1GHz
- Input impedance 50Ω
- Output impedance 50Ω (SMA)
- Control interfaces SPI (IDC-10P) 10Mbps or Asynchronous (DB-9) 115.25kbps
- Operating voltage DC 10.7V-16V (DB-9)
- Power consumption Approx. 1.2A @ 12V
- Dimensions 250 x 100 x 40mm
- Weight 720g
- Operating temperature -10°C to +50°C
Full 20MHz bandwidth available for receive center frequency of at least
10.5MHz.
(**) To facilitate system integration, this SMA socket is not pre-fitted, but
supplied in the box for you to solder it, if required by your project.
“Last-one” memory function not provided. The unit does not retain frequency,
pre-amp and attenuator settings after power has been switched off.
Design, features and performance subject to change without notice nor
obligation.
CHASSIS
Made of aluminum.
Dimensions: 40mm+/-2mm(D) x 100mm+/-3mm(W) x 250mm+/-5mm(H)
All interface connectors except Reference Input are located on the top of the
chassis.
BLOCK DIAGRAM
Manufacturer:
AOR, LTD.
2-6-4, Misuji, Taito-Ku,
Tokyo, 111-0055, Japan
www.aorja.com
mail@aorja.com