Covering the 2 to 6 GHz frequency band, the PTS6900 is a brand new solid state power amplifier (SSPA) developed by TMD Technologies. Optimised for use in EW/ECM systems, the low band CW module produces a high power output of 150 W and has a 55 dB gain adjustable from 50 to 60 dB.
This high performance is achieved through an advanced design incorporating the latest 0.25 um GaN MMIC technology and low loss power combiners.
Reliability is also high, with a predicted MTBF of over 30 000 hours for an airborne uninhabited fighter environment, at the maximum allowable baseplate temperature. Power consumption is only 900 W maximum.
The unit is very compact at 300 x 200 x 50 mm and weighs only 4 kg, making it ideal where volume and weight are critical.
The cost-effective solid state module represents a first for TMD, which has previously specialised in travelling wave tube (TWT) technology. However, the company still uses tube based technology to cover the more demanding 6-18 GHz frequency band, where solid state devices cannot compete in efficiency and reliability.
The PTS6900 can be supplied with a heatsink, but comes without one as standard so customers can easily mount their own cooling fixture. The module will operate reliably in high ambient temperatures, provided the maximum module baseplate hot-spot temperature of +85degC is not exceeded.
A fast RF mute capability is included which allows the RF output to be muted in less than 5 us.
In addition, an internal EMC filter on the +28 V input ensures full compliance with the EMC requirements of MIL-STD-416F.
Also provided is a comprehensive built-in test capability which includes monitoring of the internal DC to DC converters and module baseplate overtemperature. In order to aid testing and integration an RF sample output (-40dB) is included.
Although the PTS6900 was developed for powering EW/ECM systems, it is also suitable for other high power microwave applications.