Many advanced EW receivers, particularly those associated with ECM jamming systems, do not require the high-resolution frequency information related to a DFD or IFM-based receiver. Typically, a single pulse within a broad frequency band must be detected and instantaneously down-converted to an IF band.

Teledyne Microwave UK manufactures a range of Frequency Activity Detectors (FADs), also known as Activity Detection Units (ADUs), which measure the frequency of an RF pulse and output data in as little as 15ns. The basis of these products is Teledyne Microwave UK’s ability to produce high-performance broadband channelisers and integrated detectors. These devices are ideal for receivers that must operate in very high pulse density environments.

The FAD consists of an RF input, which may be fed by a signal conditioning network as in the case of the IFM. This is followed by a detector integrated into each channel and a combination of video and logic circuitry. If any particular channel has crossed a predetermined threshold a trigger is created. A crucial element in the design is the channel filter characteristics and their contiguous frequency coverage, eliminating false triggers.

The FAD can be configured by Teledyne Microwave UK to drive switched multiplexers and frequency synthesizers directly for the ultimate high speed set-on and adaption.

​PRODUCT	​APPLICATIONS
​DG009-M1 Activity Detection Unit	​ Airborne transport environments Electronic support measures (ESM) Electronic counter measures (ECM)​ ​