Keragis Launches Solid-State, High-Power TWT Replacement Modules

Poway, CA -- Keragis Corporation has introduced a newly designed solid-state microwave amplifier dodecahedron module (patent pending) providing a high power output of typically 35 watts over the 6 to 18 GHz band. It's small and rugged size make it suitable for replacement of TWT amplifiers delivering long life, up to 30 dB improvement in noise figure over a TWT and short group delay characteristics. The small footprint of the unit along with low voltage requirements are suited for mounting at the antenna or load. No warm-up time is required. Applications include radar, radar testing, land-based and satellite communications, electronic warfare, and guidance systems, among others.

Due to its size, losses within the unit are small so the unit operates with better efficiency. Since there are numerous MMICs or FETs within the unit, single point failures are minimized and thus failures become "soft failures," only reducing the power slightly when one device fails. A technique is used (patent pending) that eliminates the so-called "zipper effect" which, in some amplifiers, can cause failure of all devices if one device fails.

Control and power for the unit are provided by solder or connector pins. Some monitoring within the unit can be accomplished through the control system. The input and output RF connectors can be on the same side of the unit or opposite sides depending on end user requirements. Several of these modules can be put together with external combiners to provide larger outputs.

A narrow band module is also available that will provide typically >80 Watts output. Additionally, a pulsed design has been completed that will provide up to 150 Watts.

SOURCE: Keragis Corporation