Company Overview

The company was incorporated in Canada more than 30 years ago. Headquarters are located in the village of Hackett's Cove, Nova Scotia. NAUTEL activities are housed in modern research and design laboratories and a manufacturing plant situated on a 60 acre site.

A wholly owned subsidiary manufacturing plant is conveniently located in Bangor, Maine, U. S. A. within an industrial park adjacent to the international airport.

In 1970 NAUTEL claimed technical leadership with the introduction of the very first solid state transmitter in the world for aeronautical radiobeacon transmission. The seventies saw a range of innovative solid state introductions by NAUTEL addressing radiobeacon and marine transmitter requirements. The first solid state AM Broadcast transmitters at 2 kW were delivered in 1974.

During the eighties new MOSFET devices became available and enabled NAUTEL to successfully challenge the existing companies in the broadcast industry. The first 10 kW modular solid state AM broadcast transmitter was introduced in 1982 followed by a 50 kW model in 1985. NAUTEL continues to set new performance standards in the nineties with innovative solid state transmitters for both AM and FM broadcasting.

While the company and product range have grown, the commitment to provide the transmitter customer with the most reliable state of the art equipment remains the same. NAUTEL provides a team of transmitter specialists available for customer support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Both NAUTEL manufacturing plants give access to a complete emergency support inventory of parts, modules and subassemblies dedicated to customer service. Comprehensive training programs are conducted focusing on theory, operation and maintenance of solid state equipment. Special customer needs can also be addressed.

NAUTEL stands prepared to put all resources to work for you.

NAUTEL specializes in the development and manufacture of high power solid state radio transmitters and has earned an international reputation as a world leader in this field. Major products include AM and FM radio broadcast transmitters, aeronautical radiobeacon systems, marine radiobeacons and MF telegraph transmitters.

Company Information

Additional Details

Legal Name: Nautel Limited

Number of Employees: 110

Contacts

Products

• Am & Fm Transmitters

  Brand names - NAUTEL and AMPFET Broadcast Transmitters.

• Am Transmitter System
• Amplifiers, Rf, For Dielectric Heating
• Antennas, Telecommunications, Nes
• Fm Series Transmitters

  High Operational - Confidence

  Cool operation: high reliability Soft failure techniques: few emergencies On-air serviceability: daytime maintenance Modular construction: ease of service

  Significant Operational - Savings

  High efficiency: low energy consumption Less waste heat: reduced cooling Elimination of tube replacement Performance stability: reduced maintenance Single cabinet: less floor space

  Superior Performance

  Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) Exciter: superb audio quality Near unity power factor: lower ac current ratings Low line current distortion: compliance with IEEE 519-92 Combined 20 kW version available

  NAUTEL Features and Advantages

  The FM10 10 kW FM broadcast transmitter capitalizes on NAUTEL's more than 25 years experience designing and building solid state transmitters. Early solid state FM transmitters were primarily used as multichannel reserve transmitters because of high cost and poor operating efficiency. The NAUTEL FM10 is the first cost-effective solid state design with emphasis on performance and efficiency required for continuously operated main transmitters.

  NAUTEL Reliability

  This solid state transmitter has exceptional efficiency compared with other designs. Semiconductor devices are mounted directly on the module heat sink rather than resorting to pallets to overcome critical thermal interfaces. Simply put, this solid state transmitter has 40% less waste heat to dissipate than other solid state designs.

  Power Amplifiers, Power Modules and Switching Regulator Modules use NAUTEL original soft failure techniques. Loss or removal of a complete module only results in a 1.3 dB reduction of output. This, coupled with on-air serviceability, means repairs can be carried out during the day, minimizing nighttime or emergency service calls.

  NAUTEL Savings

  The high overall rf out to ac in efficiency produces 40% less waste power than other solid state designs, and results in significant direct energy savings and indirect savings in cooling the building.

  The solid state design provides measurable savings over a vacuum tube transmitter. Vacuum tubes wear out, MOSFET's do not. Neither do MOSFET's age, so routine monthly adjustments and emergency tube replacements become things of the past.

  Power Amplifier repairs can be made by direct replacement of the MOSFET's while remaining on-air.

  NAUTEL Performance

  The FM10 contains power supply improvements, which enhance performance. While still retaining an ac line transformer for isolation, the supply maintains a near unity power factor at all output power levels. This means a lower ac line current, and an excellent load factor. A very low total harmonic distortion (THD) of the ac line current reduces the risk of audio interference and adverse reactions with other equipment.

  NAUTEL Digital Performance

  The FM10 can be supplied with an integral NAUTEL Exciter, Model NE50, featuring the exceptional performance provided by Direct Digital Synthesis. This technique eliminates the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) normally used to generate frequency modulation. Such circuits have critical biasing for linearity and are more susceptible to microphonics. The FM10 performance is specified as a complete system with the NE50 Exciter operating with analog composite input signals and mounted within the transmitter rack.

  The system FM signal to noise and distortion specifications provide on-air signals without compromise.

  Even better performance is attainable using a Digital Front End by replacing the analog input card with an AES/EBU digital input card.

  NAUTEL 20 kW Configurations

  The FM10 is also available in several combined configurations. One features a simple combiner without switches for an economical 20 kW system. Another configuration features an automatically switched combiner system and the option of main and standby Exciters with automatic changeover. er.

• Na Series Transmitters

  Powerful, Agile & Efficient Solid State Medium Wave Transmitters 100kW - 300kW

  Nautel NA series solid state AM transmitters are available as standalone units up to 300 kW. Higher Power requirements can be met by combining of transmitters.

  All are designed for fast simple frequency change capability without the need of special tools or external test equipment. Transmitters can be field tuned to meet full performance specifications that match or supercede the best available in any modern transmitter.

  Overall efficiency of 85-88% means lower power consumption and cooler operation. Even greater power savings are available by selecting one of the dynamic carrier control operating modes.

  NA series transmitters use identical and interchangeable 6.25 kW power modules. Any module may safely be removed for service while the transmitter remains in operation. Duplicate built-in exciter sections with automatic changeover further contribute to the high operational confidence level.

  Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) technology is used to generate the RF carrier at the selected frequency. The integral 12 bit precision phase modulator may facilitate future addition of phase coded simulcast data transmission or possible digital transmission in existing medium wave AM channels.

  Nautel has over 25 years experience in design and manufacture of exclusively solid state radio transmitters with more than 4, 500 in service worldwide.

  Contact Nautel for more information about the high power, frequency agile NA100-NA300 or our full range of solid state AM and FM broadcast transmitters.

• Nd Series Transmitters

  NAUTEL AMPFET ND series transmitters are the most ruggedly constructed solid state transmitters available today with proven survivability in severe environments. No other transmitter offers a better overall combination of superior audio performance, low cost of ownership and long term reliability.

  A SINGLE FAMILY OF TRANSMITTERS

  The elegantly simple solid state design is the same at 1 kW or 50 kW. All Ampfet ND transmitters use identical broad band power amplifier modules. Amplifiers are fully interchangeable without tuning or component changes within any ND series transmitter regardless of power level. This permits a standardized spare complement and a single depot to support multiple transmitters.

  POWERFUL BUILDING BLOCKS

  Power Modules are constructed to integrate several amplifier and modulator sections with independent air cooling in one compact unit. This arrangement keeps cabling and interconnection requirements to a minimum.

  Should a Power Module fan fail, the amplifiers in that module will shut off. Remaining modules will continue to operate without any temperature rise or thermal stress.

  The solid state modules in a transmitter must be connected to a power supply, input drive source and RF output. Integrity of these connections is critical to safe and reliable operation. Nautel uses high-grade molded connectors with contacts rated for power density applications. This ensures a durable and secure connection highly immune to humidity, corrosion and mechanical failure.

  PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

  Transmitter power capability is determined by the number of amplifiers being combined. The AMPFET ND1 uses three PA's, the AMPFET ND50 uses 120 PA's. At any power level and any modulation level all the modules in a NAUTEL transmitter will contribute equally to the final output. Should an amplifier fail, operation continues at slightly reduced power. No stress is imposed on the remaining modules and spectral integrity is not compromised. Repair or replacement is not urgent and may be carried out whenever convenient.

  STAYING ON THE AIR

  The Power Modules combine the output of several amplifiers. Above 1 kW, transmitters further combine multiple Power Modules to achieve the final transmitter output power. NAUTEL's combining techniques permit a Power Module to be removed from the transmitter while any remaining modules continue to operate. Therefore service may be carried out during normal hours without a moments interruption in broadcasting.

  AUTOMATIC STANDBY

  The most critical part of any transmitter is the exciter section which provides coherent drive to all the modules. These low level circuits generate the RF carrier and modulation control signals. The AMPFET ND5 and higher powered transmitters are unique in offering complete duplication of these circuits. Should a RF drive failure occur the transmitter will automatically switch over to the built-in standby exciter. This dramatically enhances the already high operational confidencelevel enjoyed by NAUTEL customers.

  REDUCED COST OF OWNERSHIP

  NAUTEL transmitters are extremely cost effective to own and operate. Elimination of vacuum tubes requiring routine replacement and transmitter realignment saves both the cost of tubes and the associated engineering expenses. Overall efficiency of the AMPFET ND1 is better than 70% with high power models achieving typical efficiencies up to 80%. This represents significant savings in power consumption. Additional savings may be realized in air handling and ventilation costs because of the very low waste heat dissipated.

  The extreme reliability and stability of performance together with a design which avoids reliance on operator intervention saves valuable engineering time.

  HANDS OFF OPERATION

  NAUTEL transmitters are built to stay on the air without reliance on a human operator. Full operation even with antenna mismatch up to 1.5: 1 VSWR does not require manual tuning adjustment. With more extreme VSWR power is automatically reduced to a safe level. A unique circuit dynamically stabilizes power output against AC line voltage variations. Following AC power loss, overvoltage or RF overload prior operating status is automatically reinstated.

  AM STEREO OR MONO... THE PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGE

  There is plenty of reserve capability to meet or exceed maximum legal modulation limits even when operating with highly processed audio programming into directional antenna arrays.

  Occupied bandwidth, spurious and harmonic measurements comfortably exceed the most stringent international standards. Audio fidelity is exceptional with audio response ruler flat across the band and typical harmonic and IM distortion less than 0.5%.

  The AMPFET ND transmitters are designed for AM stereo. An internal AM stereo option allows selection of either stereo or mono operation. The transparency and freedom from drift of NAUTEL's solid state design delivers the competitive edge in performance demanded by today's broadcasters. ers.

• Ne 50 Digital Exciter

  The NAUTEL NE50 is a broadband, fully digital 50 watt FM exciter utilizing Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) technology to generate the FM signal. This produces a signal of exceptional spectral purity and audio fidelity which does not degrade over time. The NE50 makes possible, an all-digital path from the studio to the FM modulator. Simple front panel frequency selection requires no tuning adjustment and audio performance is not affected by channel selection. The broadband solid state amplifier is capable of up to 55 watts with adjustable output to 1 watt. The NE50, which is illustrated in the block diagram, provides numerous benefits and advantages for today's FM Broadcaster.

  Direct Digital Synthesis

  DDS technology provides a 32-bit signal to digitally construct the carrier signal with a numerically controlled oscillator. Modulation in the digital domain provides a perfectly linear system. With DDS, low frequency modulation instability and signal degradation due to aging and microphonics are eliminated.

  AES/EBU Digital Audio

  AES/EBU digital audio may be input with a Digital Front End (DFE). Multiple RDS/SCA inputs are also possible with the DFE. Asynchronous reception of the AES/EBU signal allows automatic locking to any sample frequency between 25 kHz and 55 kHz.

  Inputs to the DFE include an XLR connector for electrically transmitted AES/EBU signals and a TOSLINK optical interface for optically transmitted AES/EBU signals. There are also three BNC connectors for analog SCA signals.

  Digital stereo generation is an integral part of the NE50 DFE. An AES/EBU receiver demodulates the data stream and a sample rate converter re-synchronizes the audio samples to the exciter's internal timebase. A 24-bit digital signal processor (DSP) monitors, filters and interpolates the digital audio and generates a digital stereo composite signal, which is fed to the DDS FM modulator. Digital stereo generation ensures linearity and superior performance over analog generators. A digital highpass filter in the DFE eliminates any DC component in the digital data. Switches for on\off selection of pilot, stereo and SCA are provided, as well as for pre-emphasis settings of flat, 25, 50 or 75 microseconds.

  The DFE continuously monitors the input data stream for lock, parity, validity and CRC errors. Alarm indication and output muting occur if a problem is detected. A 19 kHz pilot signal is output for RDBS operation.

  In case the AES/EBU signal is interrupted, one of the existing composite input ports can be used as an analog input on an interim basis.

  Analog audio may be input with the Analog Front End (AFE) to the NE50 Exciter. The AFE accepts standard wideband composite (balanced and unbalanced), mono and SCA analog input signals. The analog inputs are summed, digitized, conditioned and fed to the DDS subsystem. NAUTEL's digital conversion technique utilizes high speed digital signal processing designed to ensure ultra low distortion and intermodulation products.

  Field Upgradable to AES/EBU Digital

  For stations currently utilizing analog technology, but anticipating a future upgrade to AES/EBU digital technology, the investment in an NE50 today is secure. An NE50 with an Analog Front End is convertible quickly and easily with a field upgrade kit to a Digital Front End that accepts AES/EBU signals.

  Upmixer and Filter

  A unique upmix technique utilizes PLL technology to generate the carrier in the FM band. The signal is then filtered to provide a spectrally pure input to the RF amplifier.

  RF Amplifier

  The RF amplifier is a 3-stage broadband amplifier capable of producing 1-55 watts RF output. Rugged MOSFET's and a CATV broadband amplifier generate the RF power while maintaining spectral purity and signal integrity. An RF monitor permits modulation analysis.

  Front Panel Control\Display

  The front panel features an operating parameter set up mode, alarm memory log and a voltage\power meter. Power level, center frequency and automatic level control (ALC) are programmable via a simple, full function four-button control pad. Modulation percentage is displayed on an LED scale on the front panel.

  Low Power Transmitter

  The NE50 may be utilized as a low power FM transmitter, when equipped with the optional harmonic filter. The RF output level is adjustable from 1-55 watts. ts.

• Radio Navigation Equipment
• Radio Navigation Equipment, Nes
• Radio Transmitting Equipment, Am Broadcasting Mf Telegrahy
• Radio Transmitting Equipment, Fm Broadcasting
• Radio Transmitting Equipment, Non-directional Beacons
• Telecommunications Equipment, Nes
• Transformer
• Transmitter - Broadcast & Ancillaries
• Transmitter - Communication
• Transmitter - Lf/Mf
• Transmitter - Radio Beacon
• Transmitter - Telegraph (marine)
• Transmitter-receivers, Radio, Nes
• Transmitting Equipment, Radio Broadcast
• Xl Series Transmitters

  NAUTEL XL12 Features:

  • A stronger signal with 145% positive peak capability at 12 kW
  • Overall efficiency of 84% means lower power cost and less

  waste heat

  • Redundant modular design avoids emergencies
  • Plug-in modules may be serviced anytime while transmitting
  • Complete standby exciter section with automatic changeover

  keeps you on the air

  • Solid State interphase PDM design achieves signal transparency

  for best audio quality

  • Selectable mono or stereo mode with optional built-in AM

  Stereo generator

  • Direct Digital Synthesizer option facilitates future phase

  coded transmission

  Totally Solid State Medium Wave AM 30kW and 60kW Broadcast Transmitter

  Nautel XL 30 & XL 60 Features:

  • A stronger signal with 145% positive peak capability at 30kW

  or 60kW

  • Overall efficiency of 85-88% means lower power cost and less

  waste heat

  • Redundant modular design avoids emergencies
  • Plug-in modules may be serviced anytime while transmitting
  • Complete standby exciter section with automatic changover

  keeps you on the air

  • Solid state interphase PDM design achieves signal transparency

  for best audio quality

  • Wideband highly linear modulator accommodates

  In-Band-On-Channel digital transmission

  • Direct Digital Synthesizer option facilitates future phase

  coded transmission

  • Selectable mono or stereo mode with built-in AM Stereo

  generator

NAICS Categories

• 334220 Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Additional Information