Testing RFoF link for transmitting HF-OTHR signal between transmitter and receiver shelters

Abstract

HF-OTHR site contains two equipment shelters, up to 1 km away from each other, that need to be connected for transmitting a FMCW signal. This connection, if realized using a coaxial cable, has shown itself to be vulnerable to external electromagnetic discharges, which can damage the sensitive radar equipment. This paper explores and tests the possibility of using Radio-Frequency-over-Fiber (RFoF) link as an alternative to a coaxial cable for transmission of signal, in order to ensure the immunity from external sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI).