GT-1000A Microwave Power Amplifier - Giga-tronics

Giga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power AmplifierRecord of Changes to This ManualUse the table below to maintain a permanent record of changes to this document. Replacement pages will beissued as a TPCI (Technical Publication Change Instruction), and will beTPCI Number TPCI Issue Date Date Entered CommentsPage iv Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power AmplifierList of TablesTable 1: GT-1000A Front Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connections .................................................................... 5Table 2: GT-1000A Rear Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connections ..................................................................... 6Table 3: Replace the GT-1000A Line Fuse ................................................................................................................. 7Table 4: Receiving and Inspection of the GT-1000A .................................................................................................. 8Table 5: GT-1000A AC Power Specifications ............................................................................................................. 9Table 6: Operate the GT-1000A ............................................................................................................................... 11Table 7: Cleaning the GT-1000A .............................................................................................................................. 12Table 8: General Performance ................................................................................................................................. 13Table 9: GT-1000A RF Output Power ...................................................................................................................... 13Table 10: Gain Flatness ............................................................................................................................................ 14Table 11: VSWR ....................................................................................................................................................... 14Table 12: General Specifications ............................................................................................................................. 14Table 13: AC Fuse .................................................................................................................................................... 15Table 14: Additional Specifications ......................................................................................................................... 15Table 15: GT-1000A Performance Verification Procedure ...................................................................................... 17Table 16: GT-1000A Performance Verification Datasheet ...................................................................................... 18Table 17: GT-1000A Options ................................................................................................................................... 19List of FiguresFigure 1: GT-1000A Front Panel ................................................................................................................................ 4Figure 2: Front Panel Indicators ................................................................................................................................ 4Figure 3: GT-1000A Rear Panel .................................................................................................................................. 4Figure 4: GT-1000A Fuse Holder ................................................................................................................................ 7Figure 5: GT-1000A Performance Verification Setup .............................................................................................. 16Page vi Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power AmplifierSafety and Manual ConventionsChapter 1 Safety and Manual ConventionsThis manual contains conventions regarding safety and equipment usage as described below.1.1 Personal Safety Alert!WARNINGWARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in deathor serious injury.1.2 Equipment Safety AlertCAUTIONCAUTION: Indicates a situation which can damage or adversely affect the GT-1000A orassociated equipment.1.3 NotesNotes are denoted and used as follows:NOTE: Highlights or amplifies an essential operating or maintenance procedure, practice, condition orstatement.Review this manual to become familiar with the instrument safety markings and instructions before operation.This product is a Safety Class I instrument (provided with a protective earth terminal).1.4 Before Applying PowerVerify that the product is set to match the available line voltage and the correct fuse is installed.See Table 13 on page 15.Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011 Page 1

Safety and Manual ConventionsGiga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power Amplifier1.5 Electrical Safety Precautions!WARNINGAn uninterruptible safety earth ground must be provided from the main power source to the GT-1000A.Any interruption of the protective ground conductor (internal or external to the instrument) ordisconnecting the protective earth terminal will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in personalinjury.Grounding a single conductor of a two conductor outlet is insufficient protection. Additionally, verify that acommon ground exists between the unit under test, any additional test equipment, and this instrumentprior to energizing any unit.Whenever it is likely that the protection has been impaired, the instrument must be removed from serviceand secured against unintended operation.If this instrument is to be energized via an autotransformer (for voltage reduction), ensure that the commonterminal is connected to neutral.Servicing instructions are for use by service–trained personnel only. To avoid personal injury, do not performany service unless qualified to do so.Adjustments described in the manual are performed with the unit energized and protective covers removed.Energy available, at many points, may cause personal injury.For continued protection against fire hazard, replace the line fuse only with a 250V fuse of the same currentrating and type. Do not use repaired fuses or short circuited fuse holders.1.6 Important Operating PrecautionsCAUTIONThe GT-1000A Amplifier does not include an enable/disable feature to activate and deactivate the amplifier.When connecting or disconnecting the output of the amplifier, ensure that the power switch of the amplifieris in the OFF position.The amplifier is capable of power output levels greater than 15 Watts. Devices connected to the output ofthe amplifier must be rated to handle 25 Watts or higher. Exceeding the rated output power of a device willresult in permanent damage.When connecting the amplifier to a transmitting device, observe all safety procedures to ensure that theamplifier isn’t interfering with other systems in the area. High power microwaves can adversely affect powersensitive instruments in the area of transmission.Exercise precautions to avoid exposure to radiated microwave energy at all times.Page 2 Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power AmplifierIntroduction2.1 OverviewChapter 2 IntroductionThis chapter describes the controls, inputs/outputs, indicators, and basic function of the GT-1000A.2.1.1 Features and Benefits of the GT-1000A Microwave Power AmplifierProvides 10 Watts up to 8 GHz, and 5 Watts up to 20 GHzProvides up to 40 dB of gain over 2 to 20 GHzIncorporates the CAP Wireless patented Spatium spatial combining architecture solid-state amplifier. TheSpatium technology amplifier is based on a solid state parallel MMIC design with exceptionally widebandwidth and high power. The unique circuit topology is highly reliable, with performance that excelswhere extremes of bandwidth and power are demanded.Provides excellent pulse fidelityLow intermodulation distortionHigh linearity and superior gain flatness without the warm-up time, drift or aging issues of traveling wavetube amplifiers (TWTA).Low noise figureLow harmonics and spurious contentHighly tolerant to load mismatch.Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011 Page 3

IntroductionGiga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power Amplifier2.3 Controls, Indicators, and ConnectorsThe following pages describe all of the features shown in the Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3 below.Figure 1: GT-1000A Front PanelFigure 2: Front Panel IndicatorsFigure 3: GT-1000A Rear PanelPage 4 Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power AmplifierIntroduction2.3.1 GT-1000A Front Panel DescriptionTable 1 describes the parts and functions of items on the front panel. Refer to Figure 1 on the previous page forthe location of the items on the front panel.Table 1: GT-1000A Front Panel Controls, Indicators, and ConnectionsGT-1000A Front Panel Controls, Indicators, and ConnectionsNamePower On/Off buttonGain ControlRF Output (Option 04 Only; RF Output ison the rear panel in Option 05)RF Input (Option 04 Only; RF input is onthe rear panel in Option 05)FAN FAULT 1TEMPERATURE FAULT 1MODULE FAULT 1POWER ONFunctionSwitches the AC power on and off.Adjusts the gain of the amplifier.The gain control has a range of about 10 dB.Option 02: Type N female connectorOption 03: SMA female connectorIndicatorsIlluminated indicates the exhaust fan has stopped rotating.The POWER ON LED remains illuminated, and the amplifier isfully functional until a TEMPERATURE FAULT occurs.When illuminated, indicates the internal heat sinktemperature exceeds 75 °C.All amplifier functions are disabled, the POWER ON indicatorextinguishes, and any other fault indicators are disabled. Theamplifier remains non-functional with the TEMPERATUREFAULT indicator illuminated until the heat sink temperaturedrops to less than 50 °C, at which point, the amplifier willautomatically restart.When illuminated, the MODULE FAULT LED indicates thatone or more amplification modules in the final stage of thepower amplifier are malfunctioning. The POWER ON indicatorremains illuminated, and the amplifier remains functionalat reduced capability and performance.When illuminated, indicates AC power is applied and unit isready to function1If any fault occurs, switch off the instrument’s power at the front panel before investigating the causeof the failure.Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011 Page 5

IntroductionGiga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power Amplifier2.3.2 GT-1000A Rear Panel DescriptionTable 2 describes the parts and functions of items on the rear panel. Refer to Figure 3 on page 4 for the locationof the items on the rear panel.Table 2: GT-1000A Rear Panel Controls, Indicators, and ConnectionsGT-1000A Rear Panel Controls, Indicators, and ConnectionsNameRF In (Option 05 only; the RF input islocated on the front panel in Option 04)RF Out (Option 05 only; the RF output islocated on the front panel in Option 04)Detector out (Option 01 only)AC Input and fuseSerial number labelCodeModelSerialOptionsConfigDescriptorFunctionOption 02: Type N female connectorsOption 03: SMA female connectorsThe output connector for the internal coupler/detector. Thisoutput can be used for external ALC and power monitoring.SMA (f), -1 Volt DC nominal detector output at 10 Watts RFout, and nominally -250 mV at 1 Watt RF out, into highimpedance.Provides the AC power input and over-current protection forthe amplifier.For fuse specifications at the AC voltage to be used for theGT-1000A, see Table 13 on page 15.NOTE: Instructions for replacing the fuse are located on page 7.Provides important information about the GT-1000microwave power amplifier.A full description of the information on the serial numberlabel is provided below.Serial Number Label DescriptionType of InformationThis is a two-digit manufacturing codeThis identifies the model. This line is usually “GT-1000A.”This is a seven-digit serial number, and provides a uniqueidentifier for each GT-1000A.When options have been included in the GT-1000A, one ormore two-digit numbers are listed on this line of the label.For more information about options, see Appendix A onpage 19.Contains important unique configuration information.Page 6 Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011

IntroductionGiga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power Amplifier2.6 Shipping, Repair, and Calibration2.6.1 Shipping the GT-1000AIf it is necessary to ship the GT-1000A, observe the following:Use the best packaging materials available. If possible, reuse the original shipping container.If the original shipping container is not available, use a strong carton (350lbs./sq.in. bursting strength) or awooden box.Wrap the instrument in heavy paper or plastic before placing it into the shipping container.Completely fill the areas on all sides of the instrument with packaging material. Take extra precaution toprotect the front and rear panels.Seal the package with strong tape or metal bands. Mark the outside of the package clearly, and in bold type,as follows:2.6.2 RepairsFRAGILE — DELICATE INSTRUMENTThe Giga-tronics GT-1000A microwave synthesizer is a robust instrument that has been designed and built foryears of trouble-free service. However, if you experience problems with the instrument, do the following:1. Contact your local Giga-tronics sales office, or the factory, and be prepared to provide the model, serialnumber, and any included options of your instrument, and a description of the problem. To contact thefactory directly, use the following information:Contacting Giga-tronics Customer ServiceEmailrepairs@gigatronics.comTelephone (within the United States) 800.726.4442Telephone 925.328.4702Fax 925.328.47022. If it is has been determined that you must ship the GT-1000A to the factory or a service center forrepair, you will be issued a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Use the RMA number in allcorrespondence regarding the repair.3. Pack the GT-1000A for shipment as described in the previous section, and enclose all relevantinformation regarding the problem.4. Ship the GT-1000A to the address provided by Giga-tronics Customer Service.2.6.3 CalibrationThe GT-1000A is not a calibrated instrument. No specific calibration is required. For more information, contactGiga-tronics.Page 10 Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011

OperationGiga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power Amplifier3.2 Operator’s MaintenanceThe only operator’s maintenance that the GT-1000A requires is regular cleaning of the air exhaust screen andinterior of the instrument. Both are important in order to maintain cooling airflow through the GT-1000A.3.2.1 Equipment and MaterialsPhillips screwdriver, smallVacuum cleanerTable 7: Cleaning the GT-1000AStepCleaning the GT-1000AAction1. Use the front panel power switch to de-energize the GT-1000A.2. Disconnect the AC power cord from the rear of the GT-1000A.3. Use a small Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that secure both upper and lower coversof the GT-1000A. Remove both covers.4. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the interior and from the screen in the air exhaustport on the rear of the instrument.NOTE: Do not bump the vacuum nozzle against any of the components inside the GT-1000Aduring this procedure.5. Replace both covers onto the GT-1000A.6. Ensure that the GT-1000A operates correctly.End of ProcedurePage 12 Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power AmplifierPerformance VerificationChapter 4 Performance VerificationThis chapter is divided into two sections:Specifications: this section contains all of the operating specifications that define the performance ofthe GT-1000A.Performance Verification: this section contains the test procedure that ensures that the GT-1000Ameets the specifications.4.1 SpecificationsTable 8: General PerformanceGeneral PerformanceParameter Performance Limits ConditionsFrequency range2 GHz to 20 GHzGain > 37 dB typical Maximum gain adjust conditionGain adjustment range > 10 dB typicalTable 9: GT-1000A RF Output PowerFrequency RangeGT-1000A RF Output PowerSpecification2 to 8 GHz +40 dBm (10 Watts) typical, +38.5 dBm (7 Watts) minimum8 to 12 GHz +38.5 dBm (7 Watts) typical, +37 dBm (5 Watts) minimum12 to 18 GHz +37 dBm (5 Watts) typical, +36 dBm (4 Watts) minimum18 to 20 GHz +37 dBm (5 Watts) typicalNOTES:Output power is specified as minimum saturated power into a 50 Ohm load with +5 dBm input,at 23 °C ± 5 °C.Input power for normal operation should be limited to +20 dBm maximum.Output power with Option 01 is decreased by 1 dB.Output power with Option 05 is decreased by 1.25 dB.Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011 Page 13

Performance VerificationGiga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power AmplifierTable 10: Gain FlatnessFrequency RangeGain Flatness2 GHz to 20 GHz +/- 3.0 dB maximumSpecificationNOTES:Nominal gain is 40 dB. Gain adjustment range is 10 dB minimum.Gain flatness is specified as maximum variation with -5 dBm input and 50 Ohm load.Table 11: VSWRInputOutput50 Ohms, 2:1 maximumVSWR50 Ohms, 2.7:1 maximum, 2.3:1 typicalTable 12: General SpecificationsGeneral SpecificationsParameterSpecificationLine Voltage85 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz, Single PhaseLine Power450 VA maximumOperating Temperature 0 °C to +50 °CStorage Temperature -20 °C to +75 °CCoolingForced air, field replaceable fansRack Height3U (5.25 inches)Dimensions 1 5.25 in. H x 17 in. W x 20 in. D (134 mm H x 432 mm W x 508 mm D)Weight< 35 lbs (< 16 kg)Environmental MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 3SafetyEN61010EmissionsEN613261 Dimensions with rack ears, 5.25 in. H x 19 in. W x 21 in. D (134 mm H x 483 mm W x 534 mm D)Page 14 Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power AmplifierPerformance VerificationTable 13: AC FuseAC Fuse 1Operating Voltage Fuse Voltage Rating Current Rating100 to 120 VAC10 Amps250 VAC200 to 240 VAC 5 Amps1The fuse is a Normal-Blow, type-T fuse for both input voltage ranges.Table 14: Additional SpecificationsAdditional SpecificationsParameterSpecificationStabilityUnconditionally StableMaximum Load VSWR 3:1Harmonic Distortion 1 < -30 dBc typicalSpurious 1< -60 dBc typicalNoise Figure< 10 dB typical, < 14 dB maximum1Harmonics measured at +27 dBm output power. Spurious measured at -5 dBm input power levelOperation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011 Page 15

Performance VerificationGiga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power Amplifier4.2 Performance VerificationThis section describes how to test the GT-1000A to verify that it meets Giga-tronics specifications.The overall operation of the GT-1000A Microwave Power Amplifier is checked using a broadband signal source,power sensor, and a power meter.The test setup is shown in section 4.2.2. The procedure starts on the next page.4.2.1 Equipment and MaterialsSignal source:Power meter:Power sensor:Giga-tronics 2420C or 2520B Microwave Signal Generator or equivalentGiga-tronics 8650A/B Series Power Meter or equivalentGiga-tronics 80323A, 1 Watt Power Sensor or equivalent30 dB attenuator: Weinschel Model 74-30-12, 50 Watt Attenuator or equivalent4.2.2 GT-1000A Performance Verification SetupFigure 5: GT-1000A Performance Verification SetupPage 16 Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power AmplifierPerformance VerificationTable 15: GT-1000A Performance Verification ProcedureStepGT-1000A Performance Verification ProcedureAction1. Connect the test equipment to the GT-1000A as shown in Figure 5 on the previous page. Notethe following:The high power attenuator should be characterized at the test frequencies noted in theTable 16 on page 18. Use this characterization as an offset in the power measurement.Connecting the V/GHz output of the synthesizer to the V prop F input of the power metersimplifies measurements when changing the test frequency.Consult the manufacturer’s Operation’s Manual for the power meter and signal generatorfor proper configuration.2. Energize all of the equipment in the test setup, and let the equipment warm up for 30 minutes.3. If an attenuator is used between the sensor and output, measure the insertion loss of theattenuator and interconnect cable.4. Turn the GAIN knob on the on the GT-1000A fully counter-clockwise, setting the gain to itsminimum level.5. Set the signal source frequency to 2 GHz, the signal source step size to 1 GHz, and the outputpower level to +5 dBm.6. If an automatic frequency correction configuration is not available, input the test frequency intothe power meter.7. Energize the RF output of the microwave signal source.8. Gradually increase the gain of the GT-1000A, rotating the GAIN knob fully clockwise.9. Measure the maximum output power from the GT-1000A at 2 GHz and enter this value in theappropriate place on the Performance Verification Datasheet on the next page.10. Increase the frequency on the signal source by 1 GHz (Step frequency 1 GHz).Measure the output power and record on the Performance Verification Datasheet11. Repeat step 10 until the power measurements for all of the frequencies shown in thePerformance Verification Datasheet have been taken.12. Compare the measured results with the Specifications value. If the measured values are notwithin the specifications, contact Giga-tronics for assistance.End of ProcedureOperation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011 Page 17

Performance VerificationGiga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power AmplifierTable 16: GT-1000A Performance Verification DatasheetFrequency(GHz)GT-1000A Performance Verification Datasheet 1Minimum Power Output(dBm)2 38.53 38.54 38.55 38.56 38.57 38.58 379 3710 3711 3712 3613 3614 3615 3616 3617 3618 3619 36 (typical)20 36 (typical)1Measured at +5 dBm inputMeasured Power Output(dBm)Serial NumberTested by:OptionsDate:Page 18 Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1000A Microwave Power AmplifierAppendix A OptionsAppendix A OptionsThis section describes the options that are available for the GT-1000A.Table 17: GT-1000A OptionsGT-1000A OptionsOption NumberDescription01 Add internal coupler/detector for ext. ALC and power monitoring02 Type-N (f) input and output connectors 103 SMA (f) input and Type-N (f) output connectors 104 Both input and output connectors on front panel 205 Both input and output connectors on rear panel 246 Rack Slide Kit (HP style rack only)1Option 02 and option 03 may not be ordered at the same time.2Option 04 and option 05 may not be ordered at the same time.Operation Manual, Part Number 34672, Rev. C, March 2011 Page 19