The QPN-26023023-FM from QuinStar Technology is a Space-Qualified Solid-State Power Amplifier (SSPA) that operates from 25 to 27 GHz. It delivers a linear output power of 1 W with a gain of 25 dB. The amplifier constitutes an EPC, telemetry & bias boards, an RF hybrid assembly, and a waveguide isolator. It is based on GaAs MMIC technology and is contained within a hermetically sealed housing. The SSPA meets the NASA / Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s derating (JPL Rule-34885, Rev K) and workmanship standards.
The QPN-26023023-FM has been tested within a proto flight temperature range from -35 to 70°C, and under low/high bus voltages at 22 and 34 V. It has also been tested under a PQV experiment to ensure its operability for a 77,000-cycle mission. The SSPA is built to operate with a large number of Mute ON/OFF cycles controlled through an RS422 interface. It requires a supply voltage of 25 V and consumes less than 19 W of power. The SSPA is ideal for modulation applications in data communications for flight programs.
