The SAM Electronics GR3017G201 (AS04 series) is a specialized X-Band Performance Monitor Amplifier PCB manufactured by SAM Electronics GmbH (a Wärtsilä company) in Germany. Designed as an essential safety and diagnostic component within SAM Electronics commercial marine radar systems, this board amplifies and conditions RF performance monitor signals generated by the X-Band radar scanner unit.

The GR3017G201 works in conjunction with the transceiver’s performance monitor resonator/antenna to provide real-time assessment of transmitter output power degradation and receiver sensitivity loss. By feeding calibrated diagnostic metrics back to the radar processing unit (such as RADAR 1100, Chartradar, Radarpilot, or NACOS series), it ensures full compliance with SOLAS IMO mandates for continuous radar performance verification during maritime watches.

Key Features:
• X-Band Performance Amplification: Purpose-engineered to amplify low-level RF diagnostic signals from 9 GHz (X-Band) marine radar transceivers.
• SOLAS Compliance Monitoring: Enables automated and on-demand testing of radar output power and receiver front-end sensitivity.
• Modular Scanner Integration: Designed for internal mounting within SAM Electronics / Debeg X-Band scanner gearboxes and transceiver turning units.
• High Signal Integrity: Features low-noise amplification stages and shielded circuit paths to prevent RF cross-talk and electromagnetic interference.
• Marine-Grade Durability: Conformal-coated PCB construction designed to withstand extreme masthead temperatures, vibration, and salt mist environments.

Technical Specification

The performance monitor in SAM Electronics X‑Band radar does the following:

Measures transmitted signal strength by sampling side‑lobe energy from the rotating radar scanner antenna via a dedicated pickup, processed through the amplifier.
Assesses receiver sensitivity by activating the test oscillator; the emitted calibration signal is received by the radar receiver chain and processed as a simulated echo.
The amplifier (GR3017G201) outputs a signal proportional to RF strength used by the system’s electronics for diagnostics displayed in the radar’s Performance tab.
Installed inside the antenna gearbox, beneath a sealed cover/window used for sampling the RF signal.
Associated with X‑Band gearbox assembly GR3017 — listed in the spare‑parts table as “X‑Band Performance Monitor Amplifier,” part number 2869021 or GR3017G201.
Works in conjunction with the performance monitor test oscillator module (often GR3050G202 for X‑Band).