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Empower RF Systems Intros 2500 to 6000 MHz Smart Amplifier
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January 27, 2013 Press Release
-- High Power Amplifier Module (SKU # 1191)
100 W Psat, minimum, over 2.5 to 6 GHz
Empower model
BBM5K8CKT (SKU 1191) is a 2500 to 6000 MHz amplifier
which is guaranteed to deliver 100W output power and related RF performance under all specified temperature and environmental
conditions. The amplifier module is 8.0” x 6.5” x 1.0”. This amplifier is suitable for broadband jamming and high
power linear applications in the S / C bands. This module utilizes high power GaN on SiC transistors and also features
built in control and monitoring, with protection functions. The control system core has a built–in non-volatile memory
for event recording and factory setup recovery features.
What’s
so special about this module? RF performance which is guaranteed over full bandwidth, temperature, and
environmental conditions is not “typical” of products presently available in the market.
In addition to this,
the user interface capabilities of this module and embedded controls that are standard with Empower next generation
designs allow the user to communicate with the PA building block with a PC or systems controller via RS485.
Analog control capabilities still exist, if applicable.
About an event log and non-volatile memory
This allows for internal diagnostics and troubleshooting in a systems failure scenario – basically, we have a flight
recorder in the module which is continuously sampling and logging PA “health”. The memory features also enable
us to record product and configuration information at time of manufacture.
Internal monitoring and
protection features The module is designed to be actively (continuously) monitoring critical performance
parameters – ie, temperature, current consumption, voltage levels, alarms, etc – and taking action via the microcontroller
to initiate protection and/or shutdown to avoid PA damage.
Thermal management and reliability advantages
This is a “minimal touch” design which eliminates a number of manual process steps - design margin evaluation (DME)
analysis and a full battery of qualification tests are integral to this product introduction. Detailed thermal
simulations, heat spreading techniques, and device management all contribute to high reliability. Temperature
compensation is actively running in this module, including control of device level quiescent current.
User interface capabilities - the customer can actually adjust some of the amplifier parameters through the
RS485 connection
The user can adjust the gain of the module, enable / disable the PA, and set the
communication address. The user can also monitor current consumption, internal temperature, supply voltage, and warning
and error status related to system health. Also, this product has legacy, analog control capabilities (voltage)
for gain and enable / disable and analog reporting for current and temperature. Protection features
The PA has multiple defense mechanisms which are active at the same time:
- Current monitoring for the overall PA, the driver stages, and the output devices. The over current protection
(limiting) feature lowers output power.
- Temperature monitoring provides internal readings and lowers output power in an over temp condition, enables
with low gain for “warm up” in under temp condition.
- Voltage monitoring on the DC supply - PA shutdown or muting will result if triggered.
- Reverse polarity and ESD protection on the I/O lines – hardwired with 17 pin connector.
How does this product compare to other commercially available products? Our intention with this
product is to eliminate the guess work and “specs-manship” routinely found with PA modules in the market. Specs
are guaranteed across full bandwidth and over temperature - embedded controls and user access that is standard with
Empower next generation designs ensures that there is no mystery about component performance or end use condition
if a system failure occurs.

About Empower RF
Empower RF Systems is a leader in power amplifier solutions for targeted
applications in electronic attack, tactical communications, test and measurement, and radar. Our products incorporate
the latest semiconductor and power combining technologies and originate from an extensive library of “building block”
designs. Solutions range from basic PA modules to multifunction PA assemblies with output power levels from
tens and hundreds of watts up to multi-kilowatt.
CONTACT Corporate Offices:
sales@empowerrf.com
http://www.EmpowerRF.com Empower RF Systems, Inc. 316
W. Florence Avenue Inglewood, CA 90301 P: +1 (310) 412-8100 F: +1 (310) 412-9232
Posted 1/29/2013 |

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