Empower RF Systems Intros 20 to 520 MHz High Power Amplifier Module |
June 14, 2012 Press Release Empower model BBM2E3KLP (SKU 1163) is a 20 to 520 MHz amplifier which is guaranteed to deliver 125W output power and related RF performance under all specified temperature and environmental conditions. The amplifier module is 7.0” x 4.0” x 1.5” and will be on display at upcoming tradeshows. This amplifier is suitable for broadband jamming and high power linear applications in the UHF / VHF bands. This module utilizes high power LDMOS 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 product 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:
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 insures that there is no mystery about component performance or end use condition if a system failure occurs. Empower RF Systems is a leader in power amplifier solutions for defense, commercial, and industrial applications. 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 embedded, microprocessor controllers. 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 6/17/2012 |