Diamond Microwave launched a range of compact GaN-based, pulsed power amplifiers in a new “slimline” format, including 200 and 400 W models at X-Band.

The DM-X200-04 and DM-X400-04 GaN SSPAs provide minimum peak output power of 200 W (+53 dBm) and 400 W (+56 dBm), respectively, over a 1300 MHz bandwidth at X-Band, operating with pulse widths up to 100 µs and with duty cycles up to 15 percent. Saturated power gain is nominally 55 dB.

Both amplifiers can be combined with an external Diamond Microwave two-way power combiner to realise a DM-X1K0-03, which achieves greater than 900 W peak pulse power. The DM-X200-04 and DM-X400-04 incorporate an internal electronically-adjusted phase shifter, used to optimize the combining phase, which can be applied if alternative combiners are used.

Slimline versions of the flagship DM-X200-02 and DM-X400-02 “smart” high-power amplifiers, the two new SSPAs measure only 150 mm x 197 mm x 30 mm. Both models are a compact alternative to traveling wave tube (TWT) amplifiers in demanding defense, aerospace and communications applications.

Like all Diamond Microwave HPAs, the designs are flexible in layout and architecture and can be tailored to meet individual specifications and enclosure requirements. N-type output connectors are fitted as standard, but waveguide can be offered as an option.

At the same time as the launch of these designs, Diamond Microwave's entire SSPA product range has been rationalized, with new models added, including a 1 kW C-Band design covering 5.2 to 5.9 GHz and a 19 in. rack-mounted 1 kW X-Band amplifier. While standardizing on interfaces and operating characteristic across its models, Diamond Microwave’s broadband 2 to 6 GHz amplifier has adopted a new enclosure design that is extremely compact for its power output.

Richard Lang, managing director of Diamond Microwave, said, “The amplifiers based on our new slimline platform are ideal for applications that do not require the sophisticated Ethernet monitoring provided by the “smart” amplifier platform. Both common platforms feature standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces, and all our designs can readily be customised to meet individual requirements. For example, we have recently produced a high-linearity model and, also, a design that can employ either gate-pulsing or drain-pulsing to suit the class of amplification required.”