RFHIC, a leading manufacturer of gallium-nitride (GaN) solid-state devices, is offering GaN solid-state solutions specifically designed for weather radars. RFHIC’s solid-state solutions, unlike tube-based systems, provide a longer operational lifetime, lower installation and lifecycle costs, and a stable frequency source that is “precise on transmit.”
Most modern weather radars use pulse-Doppler technology to detect the motion of rain droplets to provide data about the intensity and type of precipitation. These data sets can then be analyzed to determine the structure of storms so that weather forecasters can provide early warnings for severe weather, flash flooding, and other hazards.
Traditionally, weather radars have been built using conventional tube-based systems using magnetrons and klystrons. But the technology has since evolved with the widespread adoption of solid-state – particularly GaN solid-state for the transmitter system. The transition towards GaN solid-state provides various operational, practical, and financial advantages for radar manufacturers.
Advantages of GaN solid-state devices include:
- Large radar operation flexibility
- System compactness – major operational advantages = smaller infrastructure build
- Lower power needs
- Ultra-low operational and maintenance costs
- Lower installation and lifecycle costs
Below are three products from RFHIC’s GaN Solid-State portfolio for weather radar applications:
1.2kW, C-band Gallium-Nitride (GaN) Solid-state Pulsed Power Amplifier System
The RRP54591K2-42 is a 1.2kW, C-band gallium-nitride (GaN) solid-state pulsed power amplifier system that operates from 5.4 to 5.9GHz. It delivers a typical pulsed output power of 1.2kW with a power gain of 42dB and a duty cycle of up to 10%. Click here for more details on the RRP54591K2-42.
2.4kW, C-band, GaN Solid State Power Amplifier
The RRP56572K4-24 is a 2.4kW, C-band gallium-nitride (GaN) solid-state pulsed power amplifier system that operates from 5.6 to 5.7 GHz. Delivering a min pulsed output power of 2.4kW with a power gain of 23.8dB and a duty cycle up to 10%.
Both amplifiers provide a compact form factor allowing radar manufacturers to build a much more compact radar system ideal for mobile applications and gap-filling solutions. Click here for more details on the RRP56572K4-24.
6kW, C-band Transmitter System
The RRK54596K0-780 is a 6kW, C-band transmitter system fabricated with RFHIC’s state of the art gallium-nitride (GaN) HEMT. This compact, turn-key solution allows customers to replace their existing tube-based systems through easy integration. Click here for more details on the RRK54596K0-780.
