Vector Series ATU-LP/ATU-HP
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ATU-LP / ATU-HP 250W/2000W Vector Series NDB and 375W/3000W DGPS Antenna Tuning UnitsSince introducing the world’s first totally solid state, high power radiobeacon in 1970, Nautel has supplied the highest quality and reliability in non-directional radio beacons. The most recent Vector Series Transmitters and Antenna Tuning Units continue this heritage and provide a dramatic improvement in system coverage. Highlights include:
Note: ATU-LP is shown with optional sunshield. View Spec Sheets: |
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Constant Field Strength Output for Higher System AvailabilityThe Vector transmitter and ATU-LP/HP communicate via a serial data bus that allows the transmitter to monitor the antenna current. The transmitter can automatically (user enabled feature) adjust its output power to maintain a constant antenna current, thereby maintaining constant field strength of the radiated signal. This feature is unique to Nautel NDB and DGPS systems. |
Automatic Antenna Capacitance Tuning Using Dual Astatically Wound Loading CoilsThe capacitive portion of the antenna impedance is automatically matched using dual astatically wound loading coils. The loading coils are designed to be low-loss to maximize antenna efficiency. The dual astatic pair has a lower field than a single coil solution and this reduces eddy currents induced in the ATU enclosure. |
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Automatic Resistance Matching for Higher System AvailabilityThe ATU not only automatically matches the capacitive portion of the antenna impedance using dual astatically wound loading coils but also automatically matches a +/-2:1 (4:1 overall) change in the resistive portion of the antenna impedance. This feature virtually eliminates seasonal visits to NDB and DGPS sites to re-tap the traditional fixed-tapped matching transformers and is unique to Nautel ATUs. |
Optional Adjustable Series Resistor Optimizes the Tradeoff Between Antenna Efficiency and BandwidthHigh ‘Q’ antenna systems, with narrow bandwidth, can cause undesirable sideband attenuation. The optional series resistor bank, with integral sun shield, allows for the insertion of resistance in series with the antenna to reduce the ‘Q’ of the antenna system and thereby increase the bandwidth of high ‘Q’ antenna systems. |
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Remote Control & Monitoring of the ATU to Limit Worker Exposure to Strong RF FieldsThe ATU may also be controlled and monitored via the GUI to limit the operator’s exposure to the strong RF field of the antenna in keeping with Safety Code 6 / IEEE C95.1-1999. Remote control and monitoring of the NDB and DGPS transmitter, and ATU is available via the optional VR-Link remote control and monitoring system. |
After extensive research into the most common antenna-related field issues, the ATU-LP and ATU-HP automatic antenna tuning units were developed to:
- provide industry-leading, state-of-the-art antenna impedance matching to the associated Vector NDB transmitters under all weather conditions
- mitigate the effects of seasonal ground conductivity variations and the build-up of salt and other environmental contaminants on antenna insulators
- provide a constant and stable coverage when used in conjunction with Vector NDB transmitters
To learn more about the development, testing and functionality of the ATU-LP and ATU-HP automatic antenna tuning units please read more in the following white paper Engineering the All Weather Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU)
