Comtech Xicom Technology Announces 750 W DBS Band Amplifiers For Satellite Communications

Comtech Xicom Technology, Inc., a technology leader of high power amplifier products for satellite communication (SATCOM) announced new, high power, antenna-mount, traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) targeted at reducing the capital and operating costs for Direct-to-Home (DTH) broadcasters. The new 750-Watt TWTA feature a "peak" tube for outstanding linear performance at lower capital and operational costs. Customers can learn more about this TWTA and other new products at Comtech Telecommunications' booth, 1102, during the Satellite 2010 trade show in National Harbor, MD, March 16-18.

With rapid growth in high definition and multichannel broadcasting, DTH broadcasters are looking for ways to increase system capability while cutting costs. Antenna-mounted TWTAs are the most effective way to add broadband power to DBS systems. Comtech Xicom's new XTD-750DBSP operates up to the linear power level. This is done to optimize the overall efficiency of the TWT and results in high linear power at a more economical price. Comtech Xicom's new outdoor TWTAs enable satellite operators to mount the unit at the antenna, eliminating the high transmission losses of long waveguide runs at Ka-band and reducing shelter requirements while maintaining high reliability.

"This high power TWTA will enable DTH operators to economically expand service while maintaining performance and reliability." said John Branscum, President of Comtech Xicom Technology. "This is another example of Comtech Xicom listening to our customers' and developing product to address their needs."

Xicom's new TWTAs are available across the DBS uplink frequencies of 17.3 – 18.4 GHz. The rugged, weatherized, amplifiers are very compact and lightweight to minimize the impact on the physical plant. These systems weigh 70 pounds (31.8 kg) and are housed in the compact enclosures measuring 12.13" high x 12.75" wide x 21.50" long (308mm W x 324mm H x 546mm L). The 750W peak amplifier package is identical to the 750W CW package enabling existing users the opportunity to mix and match systems to meet their needs. Comtech Xicom has also developed proprietary techniques for matching linearizer performance to the tube characteristics over a wide range of operating conditions, thus ensuring not only optimum linear power under the test conditions at beginning of life, but maintaining optimum linear power across frequency and, back-off conditions. The amplifiers are available with multiple options including redundant and phase combined system configurations, integral block up-converters (BUCs) and harmonic filters. Remote external controllers are available to operate the HPA from user defined locations.

About Comtech Xicom Technology, Inc.
Xicom Technology, a subsidiary of Comtech Telecommunications Corp., was established in 1991 and is a technology leader in the development and manufacturing of high power amplifier products for worldwide commercial and military SATCOM markets. Amplifiers include traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs), solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) and klystron power amplifiers (KPAs) operating in a wide range of communication frequencies. Amplifier products are available for fixed location and mobile applications and are packaged in rack-mount and antenna-mount ODU configurations. For more information visit www.xicomtech.com

About Comtech Telecommunications
Comtech Telecommunications Corp. designs, develops, produces and markets innovative products, systems and services for advanced communications solutions. The Company believes many of its solutions play a vital role in providing or enhancing communication capabilities when terrestrial communications infrastructure is unavailable or ineffective. The Company conducts business through three complementary segments: telecommunications transmission, mobile data communications and RF microwave amplifiers. The Company sells products to a diverse customer base in the global commercial and government communications markets. The Company believes it is a market leader in the market segments that it serves.

SOURCE: Comtech Xicom Technology, Inc.