Sonobuoy Receivers

One of the natural applications for WiNRADiO computer-controlled receivers is in marine warfare: Sonobuoy receivers require computer control, and the incoming signals also require computer decoding and processing.

The multi-channel capability of WiNRADiO internal (card based) receivers makes them especially suitable for this task. While the standard WiNRADiO card platform is designed for eight channels in a single rack-based system, this can be substantially expanded if required.

The all new WR-2902i WiNRADiO sonobuoy receiver is a successor to the WR-2900i originally developed for Thomson-Marconi Sonar. It features improved sensitivity in both analog (DIFAR) and digital (BARRA) modes and improved spurious signal rejection.

Custom-made sonobuoy receivers can be designed to meet specific customer requirements. For more details regarding custom or semi-custom development, please contact us here.

Alternatively, email us to discuss how cost-effective sonobuoy receiving systems can be employed based on our standard products.


WR-2902i Sonobuoy Receiver

The WiNRADiO WR-2902i VHF Sonobuoy Receiver is designed to receive signals from analogue (DIFAR) and digital (BARRA) sonobuoy transmitters, operating in the 136 to 173.5 MHz frequency range. The receiver is specifically designed to suit high-performance multi-channel systems.

It consists of a self-contained ISA card designed to be plugged into a PC, together with control software and support documentation. As all RF signal processing is performed by the card, the PC hardware and software requirements are modest. Up to eight cards can be plugged into the same computer, and controlled separately and independently. With minor reconfiguration, this number can be increased to 256.

WR-2902i Sonobuoy Receiver

The card is fully shielded and protected against local electromagnetic noise, to ensure that it delivers full specified performance inside the host computer.

The receiver is a triple conversion superheterodyne. It features a single antenna input, separate analog and digital signal outputs, and an audio output for monitoring.

The receiver is supplied with Windows NT based application software and a DLL library for integration to the customer's system.

Technical Specifications


(subject to change without notice)

Frequency range 136.000-173.500 MHz
Channel spacing 375 kHz
Modes Analogue FM (DIFAR),
High speed digital (BARRA)
Sensitivity 0.9 µV (DIFAR),
1.5uV (BARRA)
IF bandwidth 230kHz @ -6dB
Skirt selectivity 470kHz @ -25dB
730kHz @ -60dB
Frequency response Less than ± 1 dB variation from 5 Hz to 25 kHz (analog)
5Hz to 150kHz (digital)
Output level 1.0 ± 0.1V rms @ 75kHz devn. and 1kHz mod. frequency (DIFAR),
TTL compatible (BARRA)
RSSI range Exceeds 60dB for 5dB linearity
Image rejection 80 dB or better
Frequency stability ±20 ppm or better
Input impedance 50 ohm (nominal)
Connectors Three BNC jacks:
RF input, DIFAR output, BARRA output;
One 3.5mm audio jack for monitoring
Power requirements
from PC bus
+12V @ 350mA
+5V @ 30mA
-12V @ 50mA
Total power consumption 5.0 W
Dimensions 295 x 114 x 20 mm
Mass 640 g
Ambient temperature Storage: -20º to +75º C
Operation: 0º to +45º C