AIS Filtered Low Noise Amplifier with BIAS TEE 160-164 MHz

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Small and cost-effective Pre-Filtered Low Noise Amplifier covering 155 – 170 MHz with excellent rejection of the FM broadcast band.

The AIS or Automatic Identification System operates at 161.975 MHz & 162.025 MHz (Channels 87B/88B) for standard vessel-to-vessel and shore-station reception. This amplifier also delivers full gain across 156.775 MHz & 156.825 MHz (Channels 75/76) — the frequencies used for AIS Message 27, the long-range broadcast format defined in ITU-R M.1371-5 and designed for satellite (S-AIS) detection of vessels far beyond standard VHF range. Full gain also extends to cover DSC Channel 70 (156.525 MHz), which AIS transponders monitor for digital selective calling management messages.

Within the AIS band, Gain is 20 dB and Noise Figure is less than 1 dB. The RF Input has an ESD diode for static protection. The device can be powered using either the Micro USB port or with a DC supply using the two-pin header.

This device has a built-in Bias Tee. It can therefore also be powered with DC over the RF output cable. Many software-defined radios have bias tees on their RF input port that can be used for this purpose.

Please note the following precaution: Since the Bias Tee is installed, when powering the device using either the DC header or the USB connector, +5 VDC will appear on the RF output. If your receiver does not have a DC blocking capacitor on its input or some other form of DC voltage protection, this voltage WILL damage your receiver.

If your receiver does not have a Bias Tee, we recommend using the USB Bias Tee to power this module.

Weather radio broadcasts in the United States (NOAA NWR) and Canada (Weatheradio Canada) occur on seven dedicated frequencies: 162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525, & 162.550 MHz.

APPLICATIONS

• Standard AIS reception (Channels 87B/88B, 161.975 & 162.025 MHz)
• Long Range AIS / Message 27 reception (Channels 75/76, 156.775 & 156.825 MHz) for satellite-AIS and extended-range vessel tracking
• NOAA Weather Radio / Weatheradio Canada reception in a weak signal environment
• Rejection of strong signals in Cellular, LTE, UHF and 915 MHz, 2.4 GHz ISM bands

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency                                       Gain

Maximum RF Input Power

+15 dBm

RF input and output connectors are SMA-F

LNA used with a AIS bandpass filter for signal reception.