Diamond launches slimline GaN SSPA range
Compact power amplifiers offer 200W and 400W at X-band frequencies
Diamond Microwave, a specialist in high performance microwave power amplifiers, has announced the launch of a range of compact microwave GaN-based pulsed solid-state power amplifiers (SSPA) in a new "˜slimline' format, which includes 200W and 400W models at X-band. At the same time the entire SSPA product range has been rationalised, and further new models have been added that include a 1kW C-band design and a rack-mounted 1kW X-band amplifier.
The DM-X200-04 and DM-X400-04 are compact pulsed X-band GaN SSPAs with minimum peak pulsed output power specified at 200W (+53dBm) and 400W (+56dBm) respectively over a 1300MHz bandwidth, operating with pulse widths up to 100µs and with duty cycles up to 15 percent. Saturated power gain is nominally 55dB. Both models feature built-in phase control to optimise power combining and are a compact alternative to vacuum tube amplifiers (TWT) in demanding defence, aerospace and communications applications. The amplifiers are slimline versions of the flagship DM-X200-02 and DM-X400-02 "˜smart' high-power amplifiers (HPA), measuring only 150mm x 197mm x 30mm.
These amplifiers can be combined with an external Diamond Microwave two-way power combiner to realise a DM-X1K0-03 and to achieve in excess of 900W peak pulse power. The DM-X200-04 and DM-X400-04 incorporate an internal electronically-adjusted phase shifter, which is used to optimise the combining phase and can be applied if alternative combiners are used.
The designs are flexible in layout and architecture and can be tailored to meet individual specifications and enclosure requirements. N-type output connectors are fitted as standard, but waveguide can be offered as an option
"The amplifiers based on our new slimline platform are ideal for applications that do not require the sophisticated Ethernet monitoring provided by the "˜smart' amplifier platform," said Richard Lang, managing director of Diamond Microwave. "Both common platforms feature standardised mechanical and electrical interfaces, and all our designs can readily be customised to meet individual requirements. For example, we have recently produced a high-linearity model, and also a design that can employ either gate-pulsing or drain-pulsing to suit the class of amplification required."
While standardising on interfaces and operating characteristic across its models, Diamond Microwave's broadband 2.0GHz "“ 6.0GHz amplifier has adopted a new enclosure design that is extremely compact for its power output. A further two new models have also been added to the range: a 1kW pulsed C-band amplifier at 5.2 "“ 5.9GHz, and an X-band 1kW amplifier that is mounted in a 19inch rack enclosure.
