- News
26 April 2018
Advantech launches 600W C-band GaN-based SSPA/BUC for Ultra HD 4K/8K broadcasting
© Semiconductor Today Magazine / Juno PublishiPicture: Disco’s DAL7440 KABRA laser saw.
Toronto-based Baylin Technologies Inc says that its subsidiary Advantech Wireless Inc of Montreal, Canada (which manufactures satellite, RF equipment and microwave broadband communications systems) has released its new-generation 600W C-band gallium nitride (GaN)-based solid-state amplifier (SSPA)/block-upconverter (BUC) for Ultra HD 4K/8K broadcasting applications.
“The new 600W C-band GaN SSPAs/BUCs offer elevated linearity while supporting higher modulations of up to 256 APSK [amplitude and phase-shift keying] in a single compact unit,” says Cristi Damian, Advantech Wireless’ VP business development. “The enhanced linearity comes with no increase in size, weight or energy consumption, thereby maximizing efficiency and reducing operational costs,” he adds.
“In an Ultra HD broadcasting environment, such as premium cable and satellite television networks, additional power is required in order to transmit higher modulation at a lower cost,” notes Baylin’s president & CEO Randy Dewey. “In recent field trials, these units were able to transmit 500Mbps data over satellite with perfect video quality,” he adds.
“The new-generation GaN-based SSPAs are designed for very high-order modulation transmission, which will make Ultra HD 4K/8K broadcast over satellite more cost effective,” says Damian. “For example, if today’s standard uses 8PSK with 3 bits/Hz efficiency on most HD video transmissions over satellite, using 256 APSK will allow 8 bits/Hz, which is a 2.6 time increase in bandwidth efficiency.”