The first models of Empower’s ‘Size Matters’ high power PA product family are packaged in a 5U, air cooled chassis and deliver over 1 kW of output power in the frequency ranges of 20 to 500 MHz, 500 to 1000 MHz and 20 to 1000 MHz. All models are suitable for octave bandwidth high power CW, modulated and pulse applications.
The 1 kW solid-state amplifiers utilize high power LDMOS devices that provide wide frequency response, high gain, high peak power capability and low intermodulation distortion. Exceptional performance, long-term reliability and high efficiency are achieved by employing advanced broadband RF matching networks and low-loss combining techniques, all qualified components and EMI/RFI filters. This is particularly important due to the prevalence of wireless transmitters in the modern urban environment, where Empower’s amplifiers permit verifying products for hardness compliance against EM/RF interference.
The amplifiers include a built-in control and monitoring system, with protection functions that preserve high availability. Remote management and diagnostics are via an embedded web server, allowing network managed site status and control simply by connecting the unit’s Ethernet port to a LAN. Using a web browser and the unit’s IP address allows ease of access with the benefit of multilevel security.
The system core supports software and firmware encryption, uses an embedded real-time OS (Linux), has a built-in non-volatile memory for event recording, storage of control parameters, event logs and factory protected setup recovery features. The extended memory option allows for enhanced internal diagnostics and troubleshooting – basically, there is a flight recorder in the amplifier.
The 1 kW family features a ‘minimal touch’ design, which eliminates a number of manual manufacturing process steps – design margin evaluation (DME) analysis and a full set of factory acceptance tests are integral to the product. Detailed thermal analysis and demonstrated heat spreading techniques, including device management, have all contributed to high system reliability.
Empower RF Systems Inc.,
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 412-8100
www.empowerrf.com