Model BME1829-50 is a compact solid-state power amplifier (PA) from Comtech Power Systems Technology based on GaN semiconductor technology. The switch-controlled two-band PA provides better than 2 W CW output power from 100 to 500 MHz and more than 50 W CW output power from 800 to 2000 MHz. It incorporates TTL-controlled hot-switchable band control and has enable/blanking time of better than 5 μs.
The class A/AB linear PA integrates a wideband dual directional coupler to simplify system integration. The PA is designed for operating temperatures from -40 to +85°C. It measures 5.5 × 4.5 × 1.6 in. (see figure) and weighs just 1.9 lbs. while meeting MIL-STD-810F requirements for shock and vibration. High-band harmonic rejection is -12 dBc or better while spurious levels are controlled to below -55 dBc. The conduction-cooled PA is designed for use when connected to a heatsink.
Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.
