IFR MLS-800 Ground Station Simulator

The Cobham / Aeroflex / IFR MLS-800 is a microprocessor-controlled ground station simulator designed for testing and calibrating Microwave Landing System (MLS) avionics. This simulator generates accurate and reliable signals to replicate various MLS operational conditions, ensuring the proper functioning of aircraft landing systems. It is primarily intended for ground-based testing and maintenance of MLS avionics.

### Technical Specifications

**RF Signal Generator**
* **Frequency Range:** 5031 to 5090.7 MHz, (5031 to 5091 MHz)
* **Channel Spacing:** 1 MHz
* **RF Output Power:**
* **Level Range:** -17 to -122 dBm
* **Level Accuracy:** ±2.0 dB
* **Level Flatness:** ±0.5 dB at -20 dBm (measured with 1000 Hz Fade Rate applied to Multipath with Multipath OFF, 14 dB Pad applied, and Main Path in CW, 0 dB modulation)
* **Note:** A 0.2 to 0.4 dB variation in level at Fade Rate is normal operation.
* **Attenuator Accuracy:** ±1.0 dB
* **Attenuator Monotonicity:** ±0.5 to 1.5 dB (each step)
* **Spectral Purity:** Not specified in detail, but notes refer to spurious power not exceeding -15 dBc or -35 dBm at -20 dBm level setting from 50.0 kHz to 12.4 GHz.
* **RF Preamble Level:** Note 1: RF preamble level plus modulation level should not exceed -10.0 dBm.

**Modulation and Signal Characteristics**
* **Modulation Type:** Pulsed FM
* **Pulse Repetition Frequency:** 30 Hz
* **Pulse Width:** 100 ns
* **Beam Modulation Level:** +6 dB above preamble is assumed unless specified,.
* **Combined Modulation Level:** Not to exceed +15 dB relative to preamble, includes main path and multi-path + 6.75 Hz modulation,.
* **Clearance Pulse Simulation:** Selectable for AZ, HiAZ, and BAZ functions only. Angular range is ±1° to ±61° for AZ and ±41° for HiAZ and BAZ,.
* **6.75 Hz Modulation:** Frequency: 6.75 Hz, Accuracy: ±1%. Level: Selectable ±6.0 dB square wave modulation to main beam.

**Main Path Simulation**
* **Functions Supported:** Approach (AZ), High Rate Azimuth (HiAZ), Elevation (EL), Back Azimuth (BAZ), Flare (FL),,,.
* **Beam Parameters Control:**
* **Angular Position:** Control of all beam parameters.
* **Beam Amplitude:** Referenced to the Preamble,.
* **Norm and Half Width Pulse:** Supported,.
* **Selectable Beam Width:** At 0.5°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, or 5°,.
* **Beam Shape:** Approximately sinx/x or 1/2 sinx/x waveforms at 1/2 width that fills time slot. Sidelobes for 1/2 sinx/x are present on pulse side only,.

**Multi-Path Simulation**
* **Capability:** Interference Pulses,,.
* **Selectable Fade Rate Modulation:** 0.05, 1, and 1000 Hz,,,.
* **Note:** 0.2 to 0.4 dB variation in level at Fade Rate is normal operation and is due to residual component of Multi-path signal,.

**Antenna Angle Simulation**
* **Antenna Elevation Angle Range:** 0 to 10 degrees.
* **Antenna Azimuth Angle Range:** 0 to 360 degrees.
* **AZ to EL Ratio Capability:** 75 dB.
* **AZ to EL Ratio:** Selectable so Azimuth to Elevation function ratio is 0 to -75 dB.

**Data and Control Interfaces**
* **Test Operational Menu Support:** ICAO 1985 and EUROCAE ED-53A and ED-36A,,,.
* **Simulates Data Words:** All Basic Data Words plus Auxiliary Data Words with Parity Selection,.
* **Preamble:** Parity, Symmetry and Percent Update,.
* **Sync Capability:** For External Monitoring, Designating PFE and CMN Function, Designating Multi-path Function,.
* **Control Interface:** RS-232 and Ethernet.
* **IEEE Interface:** IEEE-488-1978 for Remote Control Operation.
* **ARINC 429 Receiver:** With PFE and CMN calculations. Supports 12.5 and 100 kbps data rates.

**Measurement Capabilities**
* **Frequency and Power Measurement:** Advanced features include frequency and power measurement capabilities.
* **Receiver Sensitivity:** -110 dBm (Note: This value may refer to the simulator’s own receiver for testing, or a capability for measuring external signals).

**Propeller/Rotor Modulation**
* **Frequency:** Variable 1 to 100 Hz.
* **Steps:** 1 Hz.

### Electrical Characteristics

* **Power Supply:** 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz.
* **Voltage Requirements:** 103.5 to 253 V, 45 to 440 Hz. (Also listed as 103.5-129/207-253 VAC, 47.5 to 420 Hz, 50 W for MLS-801).
* **Internal Battery:** Sealed-Lead Battery, serviceable only by a qualified technician. For MLS-801, provides up to two hours of operation.
* **Power Conservation:** 10 minute time out circuit to prevent accidental discharge. Low voltage detect turns unit off prior to performance being affected. Automatic 15 minute time-out following absence of switch activity for MLS-801. Automatic power shutdown after approximately 15 minutes of non-use for MLS-801.

### Physical Characteristics

* **Dimensions:** 19″ rack mountable, 2U height.
* **Weight:** Approximately 10 kg. (For MLS-801, weights are mentioned in the context of split-site and collocated configurations for ground stations, not the simulator itself).

### Compatibility and Standards

* **Supported Standards:** Test Operational Menu supports ICAO 1985 and EUROCAE ED-53A and ED-36A,,,.
* **MLS Functions:** Supports simulation of Approach (AZ), High Rate Azimuth (HiAZ), Elevation (EL), Back Azimuth (BAZ), and Flare (FL),,.

### Interfaces

* **Control Ports:** RS-232, Ethernet, IEEE-488-1978.
* **RF Output:** Standard RF connectors (type not specified).
* **Auxiliary Outputs:** Auxiliary RF, Video and Sync Pulse outputs for use in bench testing (MLS-801).
* **External RF Reference Input:** Supported.

### Environmental

* **Operating Temperature:** -40° to +55° C (-40° to +131° F) for MLS-801.
* **Storage Temperature:** -40° to +60° C (-40° to +140° F) for MLS-801.

Why Choose Aumictech for the Cobham / Aeroflex / IFR MLS-800?
At Aumictech, we specialize in supplying and calibrating high-end avionics test equipment. Whether you need comprehensive MLS avionics testing, accurate signal generation for diverse operational conditions, or reliable ground-based simulation for maintenance, our team ensures the Cobham / Aeroflex / IFR MLS-800 delivers maximum performance for your application.