Compact rotary joint for use in Ka-band applications

27th February 2014

Nat Bowers

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Specifically designed for use in low-profile Ka-band satellite-on-the-move terminals in either military or commercial applications, a compact dual-channel coaxial rotary joint has been introduced by Link Microtek. The AMCORJD-Ka rotary joint features a central K-type coaxial channel for transmissions in the 27.5-31.0GHz range and an outer DC-3GHz SMA coaxial channel for L-band receive signals.

Manufactured at Link Microtek’s premises in Basingstoke, the AMCORJD-Ka provides excellent microwave performance: the transmit channel offers an average power rating of 20W, a VSWR of 1.5:1 and a maximum insertion loss of 1.0dB; the receive channel can handle an average power of 1W, and its VSWR and maximum insertion loss are 1.5:1 and 0.25dB respectively; and isolation between the two channels is a minimum of 50dB.

Successfully tested with currents as high as 2A at 24V, the rotary joint allows DC to be fed down the outer channel to drive not only the terminal’s LNB but also the motors that enable the antenna to track a satellite while the host vehicle is moving.

Fabricated in aluminium with an Iridite finish, the AMCORJD-Ka has measurements of 31.75x37.72mm excluding connectors. It incorporates a 50.45mm-diameter flange as standard and can also be supplied with an integral slip-ring assembly if required.

Other outline configurations and sizes are available on request, tailored to suit specific antenna requirements, while for applications where a higher power-handling capability is needed, the device can be specified with a waveguide transmit channel instead of a coaxial connector.