UK radio system specialist PPM Systems announced on 24 April 2024 that its radio frequency (RF)-over-fibre architecture solutions can achieve a five-times increase in observational antenna radius by solving signal distribution limitations.
RF-over-fibre is a technology in which light is modulated by an RF signal and transmitted over an optical fibre link, which gives lower transmission losses and reduced sensitivity to noise and electromagnetic interference.
Leveraging the benefits of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products and developing them for defence applications, PPM Systems has formed complete RF-over-fibre architecture solutions for a number of defence applications, including maritime electronic support measures (ESM), electronic warfare (EW), cyber and electromagnetic activities (CEMA) and the counter-unmanned aerial system /counter-unmanned surface vehicle (C-UAS/C-USV) domains.
PPM Systems says it can ensure seamless signal transmission, even in demanding maritime and land environments, while providing exceptional signal quality and performance alongside antenna positioning freedom. The company’s solutions are being developed in alignment with open standards such as Open VPX, with PPM Systems poised to enable EW capabilities through ruggedised and dynamically reconfigurable signal distribution, which the company claims is a “step change in capability for customers”.
PPM Systems will be exhibiting its capabilities at the upcoming Navy Leaders Combined Navy Event, which is being held at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre from 21 to 23 May. The event is designed to allow a wide cross-section of attendees from international navies, defence industries and academia to explore how to align in common purpose to ensure naval capabilities match to the strategic, operational and technological opportunities and demands of the future.