Comtech Xicom Technology has announced a new GaN-based solid-state X-band block up converter (BUC) that packs a tremendous amount of power into a 5.3-pound (2.4 kg) antenna-mount outdoor unit. This compact, lightweight and highly capable BUC provides 20 watts of linear output power in a 5.8” x 5.1” x 3.9” (147mm x 130mm x 99mm) feed-mountable package designed to handle tough environments and meet stringent X-band RF requirements, while drawing very little power for extended battery operation.
Model XTSLIN-20X-B1 features approximately 50 Watts of saturated output power, 25 Watts of linear power using MIL-STD-188-164 definition at mid-band, and more than 20 Watts of linear power across the 500 MHz frequency band (7.9 - 8.4 GHz) over a temperature range of -40⁰C to +60⁰C. This high linear output power level is achieved at less than 120W prime power consumption across all conditions, and comes in a self-cooled feed-mount package that can handle the toughest environments.
The key of this unit’s compact size and light weight is its efficiency. It operates as a Class AB amplifier with DC prime power draw ranging from 108 W at 20 W linear RF power output, down to 60W at 2W linear power output. Optional proprietary features offer even greater efficiency at lower output power levels with Battery Saver mode to extend battery life when conditions allow, making this the most flexible BUC of its kind for man pack and transportable terminals.
This new X-band BUC accepts a 950 to 1450 MHz L-band input and up converts it to a 7.9 to 8.4 GHz X-band output. This all solid-state unit uses GaN transistors to amplify the signal to achieve full output power. Additional features include temperature compensation, gain control, harmonic filtering, tight gain variation and stability, a serial RS-232 digital monitor and control interface, and options for operating with +24 or +48 VDC prime power, provided over the IF line or through a separate connector.
Comtech Xicom Technology manufacturers a wide variety of tube-based and solid-state power amplifiers for military and commercial satellite uplink applications. Their product range encompasses power levels from 8 W to 3 kW, with frequency coverage in sub-bands within the 2 GHz to 45 GHz spectrum. They have amplifiers available for fixed and ground-based, ship-board, and airborne mobile applications.
