Diamond Microwave streamlines GaN SSPA range

Diamond Microwave Devices Ltd of Leeds, UK (which specializes in high-performance microwave power amplifiers), has streamlined its range of compact microwave GaN-based pulsed solid-state power amplifiers (SSPA) onto two common platforms and introduced new X-band 400W and 900W ‘smart’ PA models.

The flagship DM-X400-02 is a smart X-band SSPA that offers power levels in excess of 400W over a 1600MHz bandwidth (and approaching 500W over 750MHz) with pulse widths up to 100µs and duty cycles up to 15%. Built on the same platform as this amplifier are the new 200W model (DM-X200-01) and the DM-X1k0-01 GaN PA, which comprises two DM-X400-02 models combined externally with a low-loss combiner to provide in excess of 900W across a 5% bandwidth.

The 900W model is an assembly that can be provided in two alternative form factors, either with the amplifiers arranged edge-to-edge or with a common heatsink sandwiched between the pair. Each amplifier is phase matched to optimise the power combining. An N-type output connector is fitted as standard, but waveguide can be offered as an option.

Smart control and monitoring functions, forward and reverse power in the output path, temperature, duty cycle and operating current, are accessed via an Ethernet port, with self-protection and alarms activated if a default or user-set threshold is crossed for RF power, temperature, duty cycle or current, rapidly detecting, for instance, if an antenna is faulty, if a PSU has failed or if thermal management has failed.

A second, simpler, common platform has been adopted for Diamond Microwave’s 100W models at X- and Ku-band and its broadband 2.0GHz – 6.0GHz amplifiers. This smaller format is ideal for applications that do not require the sophisticated Ethernet monitoring provided by the smart platform.

“The introduction of these two common platforms featuring standardised mechanical and electrical interfaces means that we can even more readily customise designs to meet individual requirements,” said Richard Lang, Managing Director of Diamond Microwave. “We believe that these amplifiers still offer among the highest power-to-volume ratios in the industry for such products with such features and specifications. They are particularly suited for providing a solid-state alternative to vacuum tube technology in radar and other demanding defence and aerospace applications.”