RF over Fibre Transmitters & Receivers

Whyte Technologies are an electronics manufacturer of TV and Satellite reception equipment that is leading edge, innovative and cost effective.

We have worked on three separate projects focused on their fibre optic transmitters and receivers; the requirements included:

• Reverse engineering existing units
• Creating new transmitter units
• Sheet metal design
• Casting design
• CNC machined first prototypes

Using our expertise & knowledge in fibre optic mechanical hardware to accommodate & provide feedback on PCB mechanical design, catering for heat sinking, replicating isolation of high frequency circuits, grounding.

We also provided designs that enclosed existing & new PCB designs and OEM F-type connectors & SC/APC fibre coupling connectors. Ensuring Design for Manufacture (DFM) & Design for Assembly (DFA) in conjunction with Whyte Technologies factories to guarantee designs are easily manufacturable and easy to assemble in higher volumes within their manufacturing facilities.

Project 1 – RF over Fibre Transmitters

The Requirement

Whyte Technologies had a design but needed modification and enhancement, but the existing CAD data was in a non-modifiable “read only” state. 

Our Solution

We proposed that rather cut and shut modelling to solve some short-term issues, we quickly and efficiently reverse engineered the design into SolidWorks allowing full parametric modification for any future enhancements. 

This proved to be an efficient process as we were able to remodel the unit, making the modifications needed, while convert the design from a CNC machined design into a cast enclosure. But more importantly this giving freedom for the electronics team to continue development concurrently during this process, which was now easy to accommodate, as the mechanical data was now simple and quick to update.

Project 2 – RF over Fibre Receivers

The Requirement

From new PCB designs, we were required to provide thin gauge steel enclosures to seat the electronics, providing fibre inputs & outputs, panel indicators, and a mounting system for the three new family of instruments.

Our Solution

Using efficient sheet metal design methods, we created a full set of enclosures with a family feel, which could be mounted and interfaced with other exiting equipment, aligning input and output connectors. 

A full set of manufacturing drawings and a fully parametric CAD database was delivered, and we were able to make quick and efficient minor modifications to develop the design, allowing the manufacturing facility to optimise assembly time.

“Our relationship with CDT has been excellent from the outset, the prompt delivery of CAD drawings and 3D models to our required specifications has always exceeded our expectations.

The RF over Fibre project presented us with a unique set of challenges, design constraints and limitations. Through working closely with CDT these problems were overcome with full 3D modelling of our Series-F product line ensuring that the assemblies are production friendly and cost-effective builds.

The flexibility of CDT has enabled us to make market-led critical changes within tight production deadlines often through short notice online meetings. This flexibility has played a crucial role in the development of our RF over fibre range of products.”

Robert Sydee FSCTE
Technical Director
Whyte Technologies