Frequency Converters – ETL SYSTEMS
Streamline operations with advanced frequency converter solutions for delivering stable frequency conversion. Benefit from components that produce variable speed operation, power and output voltage.
GENUS Falcon
Compact, modular, and a future-ready RF frequency converter solution
ETL’s Falcon Frequency Converter range offers variable voltage and frequency solutions with upconverters, downconverters, agile and block in a compact 1U GENUS modular chassis. Operating across Ka, Ku, K, C, X, L and IF-band spectrum and available as an indoor or outdoor unit.
Falcon is the preferred choice for teleports, earth stations, satellite operations, government and defence applications, telemetry, tracking, command, and high-resilience scenarios with a market leading capacity of up to 4 hot-swappable frequency converters within a 1U chassis.
Advanced control & security
Space and cost efficiency
Enhanced flexibility
Secure remote control & monitoring
The GENUS habitat offers improved security aspects (SNMPv3 and HTTPS) while maintaining an industry-leading module density, with 17 module slots available in the 1U chassis. These upgrades make GENUS a highly secure and efficient solution for the user, configured for demanding applications and systems.
Save rack space & cost
The GENUS chassis integrates StingRay RF over Fibre, ETL’s Falcon frequency converters, ALTO amplifiers, switches, splitters, and small RF matrices/routers, all within a single indoor or outdoor chassis. This consolidation reduces costs, saves rack space, and enhances system resilience.
GENUS Chassis Compatible
The smart chassis concept allows for the housing of multiple RF modules within the same shelf, providing space savings, reduced costs, and increased rack space efficiency.
All of the above modules can be housed in outdoor units.
Frequency Converter Range
Agile & Block Up and Down Converters
The Falcon frequency converter is the preferred choice for teleports, earth stations, satellite operations, government and defence applications, telemetry, tracking, command, and high-resilience scenarios due to its superior RF performance and advanced cooling features. The Falcon offers flexible module configurations, allowing multiple frequency converters to be housed within a single GENUS chassis. These can be configured as all upconverters, all downconverters, or a mix of both, based on your requirements.
The system also features field-serviceable and replaceable modules, including hot-swappable dual redundant power supplies and a field-replaceable CPU. Redundancy configurations such as 2+1 and 1+1 are available within the converter chassis, eliminating the need for a separate chassis for redundancy. Additionally, the Falcon range is equipped with the latest security software, including SNMPv3 and HTTPS, ensuring your ground segment is future-proofed.
ETL Frequency Converters
ETL’s Falcon Frequency Converter range offers a versatile line-up of upconverters, downconverters, agile, and block converters, all housed in a compact 1U GENUS modular chassis. Operating across Ka, Ku, K, C, X, L, and IF-band spectrums, these converters are designed for indoor and outdoor use, catering specifically to teleports, earth stations, satellite operations, government and defence applications, telemetry, tracking, command, and high-resilience scenarios. The GENUS chassis supports flexible module configurations, allowing deployment of multiple converters tailored to specific requirements, while ensuring ease of maintenance with field-serviceable modules and robust redundancy options like 2+1 and 1+1 configurations within the same unit.
Hot Swappable Modules
Hot swappable modules offer significant benefits in ground segment systems by enabling the replacement or upgrade of hardware components without interrupting service or powering down equipment.
This feature is crucial for maintaining continuous operation, particularly in mission-critical environments such as satellite communication, where downtime can lead to data loss or disruption of services. Hot swappability ensures swift and efficient maintenance, reducing repair times and operational costs while enhancing system reliability and uptime. Additionally, it allows for easy scalability and flexibility, enabling ground stations to adapt quickly to changing technology and capacity requirements.
Secure protocols with SNMPv3 and HTTPS
Implementing secure protocols like SNMPv3 and HTTPS in network management provides substantial benefits by ensuring the safety and integrity of data communications. SNMPv3 (Simple Network Management Protocol version 3) enhances security through robust authentication and encryption mechanisms, protecting network devices from unauthorised access and tampering. It also supports fine-grained access control, allowing administrators to precisely manage user permissions.
Meanwhile, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) encrypts data transmitted over the internet, safeguarding sensitive information from interception and attacks during remote access and control of network devices. Together, these protocols help protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats, enhance compliance with security standards, and foster trust in network management practices. By securing both local and remote communication channels, they provide a resilient foundation for reliable and secure operations in modern networking environments.
Local & Remote control & monitoring
Local and remote control and monitoring capabilities provide essential advantages in managing complex systems and networks. Locally, operators can directly oversee equipment status, troubleshoot issues promptly, and make real-time adjustments to optimise performance. This immediate access is critical for maintaining operational continuity and responding swiftly to changing conditions or emergencies.
On the other hand, remote control and monitoring extend these capabilities beyond physical proximity, allowing administrators to manage devices and systems from virtually anywhere. This flexibility enhances operational efficiency by reducing the need for on-site interventions and enabling proactive maintenance and upgrades. Additionally, remote monitoring provides insights into long-term performance trends, enabling data-driven decision-making and preventative maintenance strategies. Overall, the combination of local and remote control and monitoring empowers organisations to maximise uptime, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver reliable services to end-users.
Free Technical Support
ETL’s product support service offers comprehensive assistance to ensure optimal performance of your equipment. Customers receive free access to our UK-based technical support team, staffed by experienced engineers with in-depth knowledge of ETL products. Our support includes advice on installation, configuration, operation, and maintenance, as well as diagnostic and troubleshooting help. We also provide identification and supply of replacement parts, along with free software updates to keep systems running smoothly.
Need help selecting the right RF Solution for your project?
Only a selection of our products are listed on the site. If you can’t find what you’re looking for or have specific requirements, our team is here to assist you in finding the perfect solution.
GENUS Falcon
Modular Frequency Converters
ETL’s Falcon Frequency Converter range offers comprehensive spectrum coverage and flexible deployment options suited to you in a compact modular chassis.
- IF, L, C, X, K, Ku, and Ka frequency ranges
- Up to four frequency converters in a 1U chassis
- Block or Agile variants
- Can be used for 1+1 or 2+1 redundancy configurations
- Hot swap
- Outdoor Chassis housing option
- Secure protocols with SNMPv3 and HTTPS
- Local & Remote control & monitoring via RJ45 Ethernet port and web browser interface
- Capability for customisation for bespoke requirements
Downloads
Downconverter
Upconverter
GENUS ODU Compatible
All of the above modules can be housed within the GENUS ODU (Outdoor Unit), providing a compact and efficient solution for various RF signal management needs. The GENUS ODU is designed to protect and operate RF matrices and routers in challenging outdoor environments, ensuring reliability and performance across various voltage and frequency needs.
GENUS Falcon Configurations
Flexible module configurations are available. Choose from modules with different operating frequencies, options include Ka, Ku, K, C, X, L and IF-band conversions. Choose all upconverters, all downconverters or a mix of both, to achieve desired voltage and frequency.
| BLOCK UPCONVERTER | BLOCK DOWNCONVERTER | AGILE DOWNCONVERTER |
| Falcon K-band to L-band Block Upconverter | Falcon K-band to L-band Block Downconverter | Falcon L-band to IF-band Agile Downconverter |
| Falcon L-band to Ku-band Block Upconverter | Falcon Ku-band to L-band Block Downconverter | Falcon X-band to L-band Agile Downconverter |
| Falcon C-band to L-band Block Downconverter |
Learn more about this product range
Get in touch with our sales team to learn how our RF and Digital IF products could work for you.
News Article
Falcon²: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Frequency Conversion Technology
ETL System’s new and improved Falcon² Frequency Converter trailblazes advancement in frequency converter technology.
This innovative solution, housed in a compact 1U GENUS chassis, offers enhanced RF performance, flexibility, and cooling for uplink and downlink RF signals across the L-band to Ka-band spectrum. Tailored for diverse satellite communication systems, Falcon² is the ideal choice for demanding applications. Read more
FAQ
A block converter has a fixed LO (Local oscillator) frequency. An agile converter range has a variable LO frequency.
Frequency inversion is when the band of frequencies on the output is reversed, such that the upper frequency is now the lower frequency and vice versa.
Single conversion is when there is one stage of frequency translation, dual conversion is when there are two stages of translation offering superior signal quality.
A transformer is typically used to step down the voltage to match the requirements of the inverter or other electronic components within the converter. While transformers don’t change the frequency of AC power, they are a crucial component in many frequency conversion systems, often used in conjunction with inverters to provide the necessary voltage levels.
AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) are fundamentally different in how electrical power flows. AC current reverses its direction periodically, while DC current flows in one constant direction.
In AC circuits, the voltage and current are not always in sync. This difference is called a phase difference, and it can range from 0 to 90 degrees.The phase difference arises due to reactive components like inductors and capacitors.
Key features of ETL Frequency Converters include high conversion efficiency, low phase noise, and advanced digital processing capabilities, providing reliable and precise frequency conversion for various communication systems.
A frequency converter’s output voltage and frequency are typically variable and adjustable, allowing it to control the rotational speed of an AC motor.
RMS (Root Mean Square) voltage is a measure of the effective or equivalent DC voltage of an AC power signal. It represents the DC voltage that would dissipate the same amount of power in a load as the AC power signal. This is crucial because frequency converters often involve AC voltage transformations, and RMS values provide a consistent way to compare power levels across different frequencies.
A Static Frequency Converter (SFC) is electronic equipment that converts AC power from one frequency to another without using any moving parts. Static frequency converters are also known as solid-state frequency converters.
Yes. Single-phase and three-phase frequency converters differ primarily in their power capacity and application suitability. Single-phase converters are typically used for smaller loads and appliances, while three-phase converters are designed for larger industrial equipment and motors.
Harmonic distortion is the presence of unwanted frequencies in a power system. This can affect the wave form of the input voltage and current. Static frequency converters are used to adjust the frequency and voltage of the input, and are crucial in rectifying these wave forms via rectifier circuits. By controlling the voltage, phase angle, and frequency of the output.
Frequency converters control the motor speed of an induction motor by adjusting the frequency of the electrical power supplied to it. This allows for variable speed operation and precise control, which can be beneficial in applications like pumps, fans, and other industrial processes.
Power factor is a measure of how efficiently electrical power is converted into useful work. It’s the ratio of active power (kW) to apparent power (kVA) in an AC power circuit. A power factor closer to 1.0 indicates higher efficiency, while a lower power factor (less than 1.0) means more power is being drawn than is actually being used.
Key features of ETL Frequency Converters include high conversion efficiency, low phase noise, and advanced digital processing capabilities, providing reliable and precise frequency conversion for various communication systems.
Yes, ETL Frequency Converters can be tailored to meet specific application requirements, including custom frequency ranges and configurations, to ensure optimal performance for your unique needs.
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