25 May 2015

API debuts power amplifiers for military and public safety applications

At the 2015 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS) in Phoenix, Arizona, API Technologies Corp of Orlando, FL, USA, a designer and manufacturer of systems, subsystems, modules and components for RF, microwave and millimeter-wave applications, has debuted two new power amplifier products to support military and public safety applications involving communications and jamming.

The release of the QBS-620 dual-channel rack-mount gallium nitride (GaN) power amplifier assembly extends API's product line beyond discrete power amplifiers to fully integrated solutions with even higher levels of functionality. The QBS-620 module is designed for shipboard communications, but other military and commercial applications include battlefield and mobile communication platforms. Weighing about 65lbs, the unit consists of two identical channels, each containing a 200W amplifier, VHF and UHF switched harmonic filter banks, SP3T (single-pole three-throw) high-powered switches, a controller, and an AC/DC power supply. All components, as well as the custom 19 inch enclosure, are developed and manufactured by API. The rugged architecture with its sealed plenum suits use in harsh environmental or weather conditions encountered by field-deployed military equipment.

API's QBS-617 communications band signal jamming power amplifier highlights the firm's expanded use of LDMOS technology. The Class AB amplifier can be used in various public safety applications, for risk mitigation of remote controlled explosions, and to prevent cellular services in and around secure military and government facilities. The modular amplifier offers a minimum output power of 100W at 1dB compression with a gain of 52dB. Packaged in a small aluminium chassis only several inches in size, the power amplifier uses a balanced architecture with an isolator on the output to promote thermal spreading and reliability under adverse conditions, and comes configured with the following standard features: temperature compensation, forward/reverse power detection, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) monitor, and thermal shutdown.

"With an extensive heritage in the development of high-performance power amplifier solutions designed to meet system-level integration challenges, the introduction of these two power amplifiers signifies an expansion of API's portfolio of high-reliability communications-enabling solutions for military and commercial applications," says Dennis Barrick, technical marketing director, RF, Microwave & Microelectronics (RF2M-US), at API. 

API's power amplifiers are manufactured in the USA using in-house thin- and thick-film technology, in-house chip and wire (hybrid) and SMT manufacturing, as well as conventional PC board designs. The new amplifiers are an extension of the firm's broad RF and microwave amplifier product range, which includes small-signal, low-noise and high-dynamic-range products using various semiconductor technologies, for commercial, military, medical and industrial applications.

Tags: API Technologies

Visit: http://micro.apitech.com/high-power-amplifiers