Comtech CEFD XPA Milsatcom X-Band Rack Mount High Power Amplifier Systems

XPA Milsatcom X-Band Rack Mount High Power Amplifier Systems

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The Comtech EF Data Model XPA Indoor X-Band Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) delivers 175, or 200 Watts guaranteed, at the 1 dB compression point, to the transmit waveguide flange. It provides a cost effective and more reliable replacement for Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) amplifiers in X-Band terminals. Due to its small rack height, it is also ideal for the construction of small “flyaway” terminals, medium size (equivalent to Intelsat F) earth stations, and hub earth stations for small to medium size private networks, or point-to-point links.

Solid-State Amplifier Advantages

The XPA SSPA is constructed with highly reliable Gallium Arsenide Field Effect Transistors (GaAs FETs). With third order inter-modulation products from 4 to 6 dB better than TWT ratings, the XPA unit replaces TWTs with saturated power levels up to 400 Watts. The XPA also provides a Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) that is 5 to 6 times greater than the typical TWT MTBFs.

Options Included Free

The XPA series of SSPAs come equipped with useful features that other manufacturers offer as options. Included in the base price are temperature compensation, sample ports, power monitor, rack slides, and full remote monitor and control capabilities.

Functional Description

The SSPA consists of a chassis, power supply, fan assembly, front panel assembly, Monitor/Control Processor (MCP), and an SSPA module. The amplifier was designed using a Comtech EF Data low-loss combining technique and an MCP-based temperature versus gain compensation.

Front Panel

The SSPA front panel contains a user-friendly Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) menu display and cursor control keys in order to display status or change parameters. The front panel also has LEDs for quick reference to binary status points and both input and output sample ports at -20 and -40 dBc for easy test point access.

Built-In Redundancy Controller

Each SSPA amplifier has the ability to function as a 1+1 or 1+2 redundancy controller in the backup mode. The optional redundancy configuration is implemented by attaching a ganged waveguide/coax transfer switch(es) to the input and output connectors of the amplifiers with a combination coaxial cable and waveguide kit. When the backup SSPA is commanded into the controller mode, it monitors the online SSPA(s) for faults. A faulted online unit may be disconnected and replaced without affecting the online power amplifier.

Remote Control

The remote control interface is selectable between EIA-232 and EIA-485, as well as full Ethernet including Telnet, SNMP and pre-loaded HTML GUI. All configuration control, status retrieval, and adjustments are available as simple ASCII commands through the serial interface or through the front panel menu. As a cost option, the remote control command structure can be customized in order to accommodate existing network control software.