Abstract: An interface device configured to interface with one or more aircraft avionics data systems and an antenna. The interface device includes a radio and at least one computing device that are housed inside an enclosure. The radio is connected to the antenna. The radio is configured to transmit outgoing messages and to receive incoming messages via the antenna. The at least one computing device is configured to send the outgoing messages to the radio for transmission by the radio via the antenna and to receive the incoming messages from the radio. The radio may be a very high frequency (“VHF”) transceiver.

Abstract: An interface device configured to interface with one or more aircraft avionics data systems and an antenna. The interface device includes a radio and at least one computing device that are housed inside an enclosure. The radio is connected to the antenna. The radio is configured to transmit outgoing messages and to receive incoming messages via the antenna. The at least one computing device is configured to send the outgoing messages to the radio for transmission by the radio via the antenna and to receive the incoming messages from the radio. The radio may be a very high frequency (“VHF”) transceiver.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier protection system for a radio. The protection system utilizes a resistive tap connected to the drain of a power amplifier transistor and a high speed voltage detector. The protection system uses short, low-power tests pulses to determine the quality of an antenna load upon tuning the radio to an RF carrier frequency by transmitting the short test pulse. If the measured voltage value exceeds a calibrated value, the power of the RF transmitter is reduced for subsequent operation or the RF transmitter is shut down completely. The invention also includes a system and method for detecting when an antenna is disconnected from a radio using an low frequency AC signal to measure the resistance of an antenna connected to an RF transmitter.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier protection system for a radio. The protection system utilizes a resistive tap connected to the drain of a power amplifier transistor and a high speed voltage detector. The protection system uses short, low-power tests pulses to determine the quality of an antenna load upon tuning the radio to an RF carrier frequency by transmitting the short test pulse. If the measured voltage value exceeds a calibrated value, the power of the RF transmitter is reduced for subsequent operation or the RF transmitter is shut down completely. The invention also includes a system and method for detecting when an antenna is disconnected from a radio using an low frequency AC signal to measure the resistance of an antenna connected to an RF transmitter.