Dual System Applications

A dual‑system uses 2 separate transmitters and receivers through a single antenna. There are 2 primary applications for dual (A/B) systems: redundant and dual frequency systems.

Both applications share common elements with regard to system control, monitoring and data acquisition.

Here, we assume that the signal processor is a Vaisala RVP and that the host computer runs Vaisala IRIS software. It is also possible to use dual-RCP control with other signal processor and software applications.

Redundant Systems

Redundant systems are set up so that if A fails, B provides backup or vice versa.

For redundant systems, the two systems function exclusively, that is, they never operate simultaneously. The 2 systems could be separate radar transmitter/receiver systems sharing the same antenna and/or separate RCP8 systems.

In the case of redundant operation, the systems must be capable of switching automatically when a system fails.

Dual Frequency Systems

Dual frequency systems include two independent transmitters and receivers that share the same antenna.

The systems can be operated either exclusively (that is, one‑at‑a‑time), or simultaneously (in parallel) with one system acting as the master and the other acting as the slave (in passive mode).

In the case of dual frequency operation, the systems must be able to switch sequentially, as in the redundant case, as well as switch between active and passive states.