- News
2 March 2018
Comtech Xicom launches GaN-based 200W Ku-band SatCom SSPAs and BUCs
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Comtech Telecommunications Corp says that its subsidiary Comtech Xicom Technology Inc of Santa Clara, CA, USA – a part of Comtech’s Commercial Solutions segment that makes tube-based and solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) for satellite communication (SatCom) uplinks – has launched a gallium nitride (GaN)-based Ku-band solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) that incorporates an optional L- to Ku-band block upconverter (BUC) in a compact 22kg antenna-mount outdoor unit (ODU), with packaging designed to handle tough environments and meet stringent Ku-band RF requirements.
The Model XTSLIN-200K-B1 delivers 200W of linear output power across the SatCom Ku-band (13.75–14.5GHz) on only 1600W of prime power draw, making it what is claimed to be the industry’s most efficiently operating SSPA. The small package measures only 20.32cm x 36.53cm x 48.26cm and is designed for outdoor use in challenging environments operating over a temperature range of -40⁰C to +60⁰C using forced air cooling. The monitor and control (M&C) interface provides a component system status via Ethernet or RS-485 and RS-232 and supports a range of redundancy control schemes. Variable phase-shift combining (VPC) systems using these SSPAs are also available to achieve even higher power with non-interrupting soft-fail continuous phase operation, eliminating cut-outs and long reacquisition periods.
“This is the lightest and most efficient 200W linear Ku-band SSPA available in the marketplace, with linear performance equal to, or better than, much more expensive, larger, and heavier 500W GaAs SSPAs,” claims Mark Schmeichel, senior VP & general manager for Comtech Xicom. “The size and weight advantages are particularly appealing for transportable requirements like satellite news gathering (SNG).”
Comtech Xicom is exhibiting in booth 313 at Satellite 2018 in Washington DC (13-15 March).
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