Aethercomm’s model number SSPA 1.2-1.4-200 is a high-power, pulsed RF amplifier that is employed in military L-band radar systems and operates from 1200 MHz to 1400 MHz. This PA was designed for L-band radars on fighter aircraft but can be employed in any system, as this module is robust. The nominal peak input power is 0 dBm for the 200 W minimum peak output power. The amplifier employs a pulse-width and duty-cycle limiter to ensure no damage if the input is CW. RF rise and fall times are typically 40 ns.

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The nominal applied voltage is 34 Vdc, but power control for this amplifier is employed by adjusting this voltage from 37 Vdc to 20 Vdc. Harmonics are –50 dBc typical and in-band spurs are less than –70 dBc. Nominal pulse conditions are 10 ìs to 100 ìs, but longer pulses can be used. Typical duty cycles are 10% to 20% but longer duty cycles can be employed.

This high-performance amplifier is fully protected from an open or short circuit at the antenna port. Overvoltage and undervoltage protection is standard. The power flatness across the band is ±0.6 dB. Input and output VSWR is 1.5:1 typically. The housing is an irregular shape but if it were square, its dimensions would be 6.5 inches  x 12.6 inches x 1.0 inch. The input and output RF connectors are type N female. DC and command/control functions are available via a DSUB connector.