Down Converter Hardware Development in a PXI (PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Extensions for Instrumentation) Form Factor

Weight-sensitive shipboard and transportable systems in support of deployed operations require high RF test analysis capability in the 100 KHz to 26.5 GHz range. It is highly desirable to implement this as a miniature PXI module suite for the Navy’s Automated Test Systems that combines the modular, high-speed advantages of the PXI standard with modern high frequency circuitry. Softronics proposes to conduct a four-step trade study building upon its expertise in design of miniature microwave products, selecting the best of the new technologies, and offering a candidate system design for Phase I Option validation and Phase II implementation. The solution will utilize a multi-module PXI suite, allowing very flexible mix and match configurations for a broad range of dual-use applications.BENEFITS: The initial launch application is the Navy Synthetic Instrument Measurement Unit (SIMU) environment, which will utilize the full module suite. However, we foresee numerous other applications in test and measurement as well as Government receiving systems: modular test systems; microwave communications systems; microwave intercept systems; telecommunications monitoring systems; and with modest investment microwave transmit systems for many of the same applications. Our business strategy will be to fulfill the Navy SIMU needs and spin the products into the commercial marketplace via traditional marketing channels. In particular, there are no miniature PXI wideband RF modules on the market today, offering an excellent niche opportunity.