Compact Ku-Band transceiver with GaN SSPA for commercial airborne applications

Smiths Microwave has added the Ku-Band high power transceiver to its wide range of product offerings. The company’s new HPT functions as a complete airborne Satcom solution, integrating the necessary GaN SSPA, upconverters, downconverters, and digital control technology to offer a highly modular yet easily maintained system complete with advanced interoperability features and multiple Built-in-Test (BIT) functions. Leveraging the higher maximum channel temperature limit of GaN devices, along with built-in SSPA protection against high VSWR loads, the 25W HPT system offers extremely high standard reliability and stability. For applications that require additional commercial air transport use assurance, an optional vibration insensitive OCXO installed on a vibration isolation platform is available. The HPT can transmit from 13.75GHz to 14.5GHz from an IF frequency of 950MHz to 1700MHz with a gain variation of less than 1dB over any 36MHz band and provides the frequency block down conversion from 10.7GHz to 11.7GHz to the low band IF of 950-1950MHz or from 11.7GHz to 12.75GHz to the high band IF of 1100-2150MHz. The Receive bands are selectable with commands over the Ethernet bus. Ideally suited and qualified for commercial airborne environments, this type-N RF TX/RX and TNC IF TX/RX compact and highly integrated device operates from -15C to +55C.