Navy researchers choose specialized RF and microwave test equipment from Zeta Associates
WASHINGTON, 22 April 2014. U.S. Navy researchers needed space communications test & measurement equipment to help analyze signals for space experiments and to help develop technologies for potential naval deployment. They found their solution from Zeta Associates Inc. in Fairfax, Va.
RF and microwave experts at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in Washington have awarded a $10.2 million contract to Zeta for Remotely Operated Deployable Ground Emitting Reference (RODGER) systems for NRL space communications research.
RODGER systems from Zeta will help NRL scientists generate data to be loaded into NRL custom-designed boxes and antennas tied together via a worldwide Navy network. These custom boxes handle digital pulse generation, signal generation, RF generation, and feeding sample devices.
These networked RF boxes are the responsibility of the NRL's Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST), which is the designated lead for Navy space programs. Using the boxes for research are experts at the NCST's Space Systems Development Department (SSDD), which handles NRL space and ground support systems research and development.
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The RODGER systems will help NRL with system design and special signals research and development. Zeta experts will develop special signals algorithms and signal processing hardware to help generate data for loading into NRL custom designed boxes which in turn will produce RF emissions for NRL research.
The design requires a thorough understanding of the architecture of this network and experience in using the NRL custom-designed boxes, and Zeta has the necessary expertise, Navy officials say.
Zeta typically services the intelligence and defense communities by providing complex communications signals collection and processing systems, and has expertise in digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm development and prototyping, systems integration, and hardware integration.
Zeta specializes in gathering, processing, storing, and analysis of modern communications signals, using the company's Multi-user Interactive Digital Analysis System (MIDAS) software environment as the basis for most of their products, allows rapid development at moderate cost in short time frames.
Among the company's products is the Z0609 Zeta tuner, a general-purpose block downconverter for processing target signals. The tuner is for systems that need coherent operation, such as direction finding systems.
For more information contact Zeta Associates online at www.zai.com, or the Naval Research Lab at www.nrl.navy.mil.
John Keller | Editor
John Keller is editor-in-chief of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, which provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronic and optoelectronic technologies in military, space, and commercial aviation applications. A member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since the magazine's founding in 1989, Mr. Keller took over as chief editor in 1995.
