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The Challenge
To restore the dish and support for microwave astronomy observations, digital microwave receivers were placed at the antenna focus point with the data collection computers on the campus network located over 100 feet away. The digital Universal Software Radio Peripheral (www.ettus.com) microwave receivers use standard USB 2.0 to connect to the data collection point. Hindered by the 16 foot (5 meter) distance limitation of the standard USB interface, the installation required an extension solution that would not only allow the processing computer to operate remotely from the digital receivers, but also meet the mechanical, environmental, thermal, emissions and power requirements of the application as well as fully support the USB 2.0 specification.

SBRAC considered many types of USB extenders that could be daisy-chained up to 80 feet, but these analog products were essentially “clean up and re-send” devices which are prone to bit error rate amplification and propagation. The probability of data loss was considered unacceptable, even if the solution could have met the minimum 100 foot reach requirement. Additionally, other USB 1.1 active cable extenders limited to 12Mbps were dismissed, as they could not meet the high bandwidth requirements of the USB 2.0 microwave receiver (USB 2.0 is rated at 480 Mbps).

The Solution
SBRAC found a standard off the shelf USB extender product, Icron’s USB 2.0 Ranger® 2101 (www.icron.com/2101), that met the needs of the installation. Based on Icron’s patented ExtremeUSB® technology, the USB 2.0 extension over Cat 5 product provides true high speed USB 2.0 peripheral connectivity at distances of up to 330 feet (100 meters) without the need for any additional software drivers. Although SBRAC used Cat 5 cabling as the medium of choice, Icron’s ExtremeUSB products are also available for use with Fiber, Coax, Powerline and Wireless media.

To maintain maximum flexibility in connecting to the digital receivers, Icron’s single port USB Ranger 2101 gave SBRAC the capability to extend high-speed USB 2.0 up to 330 feet (100 meters). For this application, to reduce emissions, 150 feet of Cat 5 outdoor grade shielded UTP cable was used to connect the receiver and data collection computer. Icron’s USB Ranger 2101 plug and play functionality made setup quick and easy.

“It was clear to me almost immediately that the USB Ranger 2101 product was exactly what our project was looking for,” stated Marcus Leech, Principal Investigator, SBRAC. “My technical sales inquiries were answered very quickly and I found their staff knowledgeable and helpful.” “If Icron’s products didn’t exist, we’d be looking at very expensive custom solutions,” added Leech, “and by using their Ranger 2101 extenders, we can easily connect to our microwave digital receivers making it possible for us to conduct radio astronomy research.”

The Result
SBRAC (www.sbrac.org) isn’t a company, but a scientific consortium made up of volunteers and is staff funded. Icron’s USB Ranger 2101 has enabled this dedicated group to further their project and revitalize the dormant D.S. Kennedy dish for research, discoveries and education. In this project, Icron’s USB Ranger 2101 extenders plays a small but important role in space and radio astronomy research.

About Icron
Icron Technologies is a visionary leader in high performance USB bridging and extension solutions for commercial and industrial markets worldwide. Icron’s USB extension and bridging products are deployed in a wide range of applications including: digital home connectivity, industrial automation, medical imaging, aerospace, and KVM extension. Icron’s patented ExtremeUSB® technology extends the range of USB 1.1 / 2.0 over Cat 5, Wireless, Fiber, Powerline, Coax and Phone lines, at distances of up to 40 km. ExtremeUSB technology is available in a variety of formats including technology licenses, OEM modules, developer kits, as well as branded and private-label products.

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