Sam Electronics HS06 -TCU Radar Processor Board – NG3028G201

The Sam Electronics HS06 -TCU Radar Processor Board – NG3028G201 is a highly specialized internal circuit board that serves as the core processing unit within a Sam Electronics (now typically part of Wärtsilä Voyage / Transas) Radar system. Specifically designated as a “TCU” (likely standing for Target Control Unit or Target Calculation Unit) and identified by the part number NG3028G201, this board is responsible for the complex computational tasks necessary for radar operation. It processes raw radar echoes received from the scanner, performs signal conditioning, target detection, tracking, and applies various algorithms for features like ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid), interswitching, and displaying radar images on the connected display unit. Essentially, it’s the brain of the radar, converting raw sensor data into meaningful navigational information that supports collision avoidance and situational awareness on board a vessel.

Technical Specification

General:

Function: The central computational engine for radar data processing. It handles raw radar video, performs target detection, tracking, and generates the processed radar image and ARPA data.
Compatibility: Designed exclusively for specific Sam Electronics (Wärtsilä Voyage / Transas) radar systems. It is not a standalone or generic component.
Part Numbers: HS06, TCU, NG3028G201 are internal identification numbers for this particular PCB assembly.

Processing & Interfaces:

Core Processor: Likely employs high-speed Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of specialized ASICs and general-purpose CPUs to handle the intense real-time signal processing requirements.
Inputs (from Radar Transceiver/Scanner):
- Raw Video: High-resolution analog or digital radar echo signals.
- Trigger/Sync Signals: Synchronization pulses to define range and timing.
- Bearing Data: Azimuth pulses/data for precise angular positioning of echoes.
- Control Signals: For managing transceiver operations (e.g., pulse length, PRF, tuning).
Outputs (to Radar Display/Network):
- Processed Radar Video: Digital or analog video stream suitable for display.
- Target Data: ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) target track data (position, course, speed, CPA/TCPA).
- NMEA 0183/2000 Data: Output of navigation-related data (e.g., target data, true/relative vectors, AIS data integration results).
- System Status/Diagnostics: Output of internal board status.
Internal Interfaces: High-speed data buses to communicate with other internal radar system boards (e.g., display controller, I/O boards, power management).
Software/Firmware: Operates with specialized embedded software/firmware specific to the radar system’s functions and performance requirements.

Electrical:

Power Supply: Receives regulated DC power directly from the main radar system’s power supply unit. It does not have an independent power input.
Signal Level: Operates at internal logic voltage levels, with robust interfaces for external radar signals.

Physical:

Form Factor: Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly with integrated components (processors, memory, interface chips).
Mounting: Designed for internal mounting within the main radar processing unit’s chassis or cabinet. It will have specific mounting points and connectors to integrate with the system’s internal architecture.
Connectors: Features various types of connectors (e.g., multi-pin board-to-board connectors, coaxial connectors for video/sync, smaller pin headers for internal controls) for integration.
Cooling: May include heatsinks for active components, relying on the host system’s cooling (passive or active).

Environmental:

Operating Environment: As an internal component, it relies on the host system’s enclosure for environmental protection. It is designed to operate within the controlled environment of a radar processing unit in a bridge or equipment room.
- Temperature: Typically $- 1 5^{\circ} C$ to $+ 5 5^{\circ} C$ .
- Humidity: Non-condensing.
- Vibration & Shock: Engineered to withstand marine vibration and shock specified by relevant classification societies and standards (e.g., IEC 60945).

Compliance:

Performance Standards: The radar system (of which this board is a part) must comply with international performance standards for radar equipment (e.g., IEC 62388 for maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems). The board’s design contributes to this overall compliance.