At IMS this year, at Booth #755, TMD Technologies LLC (TMD USA) will be featuring its advanced TWT-based and solid-state microwave power modules (MPM)–plus a new intelligent instrumentation amplifier: for radar and EW, defense & homeland security systems and EMC & scientific laboratory applications.

Said Tom Curtin, vice president of sales and business development, TMD USA: “The International Microwave Symposium is of great importance to us, and with our experienced sales team and TMD’s state of the art products we are anticipating an extremely productive event. It is the ideal venue to meet with our growing customer base, welcome potential new customers and add further impetus to our on-going expansion strategy here in North America”. Continued Tom: “In response to emerging market requirements in defense and security worldwide–and our increasing customer inquiries in the U.S.–we will be highlighting our latest technically challenging Ka-Band MPMs for high performance EW and radar systems. Also on display, will be our new intelligent instrumentation amplifier, the solution to effective radar and EW threat simulation”.

Latest Ka-Band products for high performance EW and radar systems

The new PTX8807 TWT based, Ka-Band compact MPM features simplified integration for high performance EW and radar systems and provides an output power of up to 200 W over a 30 to 40 GHz frequency range. Comprising a high-power Ka-Band helix TWT and switched mode power supply, it forms a single "drop-in" unit without the need for high voltage connections, thereby eliminating any associated reliability problems.

High electrical efficiency results in minimum cooling requirements, with reliable operation over a wide temperature range. The PTX8807 provides top performance at high altitude and in high humidity, and is easily integrated into a variety of airborne platforms. It also features remote operation and status monitoring.

Also operating in the Ka-Band is TMD’s new PTX8815 TWTA, designed for radar applications such as naval fire control. Featuring broadband capability, covering a frequency range from 34 to 36 GHz, it offers peak power of over 1100 W in the mid-band, and 600 W at the band edges, with a maximum duty cycle of up to 12 percent. This state-of-the-art TWTA is the answer to demanding high fidelity radar applications where low close-to-carrier phase noise and excellent spurious performance are required.

New intelligent instrumentation amplifier

The PTCM Series TWT intelligent instrumentation amplifiers operate over a frequency range from DC to 40 GHz with a power output up to 50 kW. A range of applications include EW and radar threat simulation, EMC/radiated immunity, communications, RF component testing and scientific experiments. Of customizable 6U high rack mounting construction, they are designed to deliver the highest field strengths in the test environment. The user benefits provided by these highly intelligent amplifiers include self-test, fault diagnosis, and modular plug and play replaceable printed circuit boards.

6 to 18 GHz MPM for high-power radar and EW systems

The new PTX8110 operates from 6 to 18 GHz at 200 W and, with its compact design, is easily integrated into those high performance EW and radar systems requiring more power. Comprising a high-power helix TWT and switched mode power supply, the PTX8110 forms a single "drop-in" microwave amplifier unit without the need for potentially unreliable high voltage TWT interconnections. A low gain TWT is specified together with a low noise solid-state pre-amplifier to provide optimum noise performance.

Highest-tech solid-state MPM for EW/ECM

TMD’s PTS6900 MPM is a fine example of TMD’s solid-state expertise. Employing advanced GaN MMIC technology, the unit offers high performance over a 2 to 6 GHz range with an output power of 150 W and is designed for fast integration into EW/ECM systems. Because of its superior design and construction, the PTS6900 has a predicted 30,000 hours MTBF in an airborne uninhabited fighter environment.

Ultra-compact, low weight MPMs–for airborne radar, EW and communications

TMD will also be displaying the PTXM Series ultra-compact MPMs. Featuring low volume and low weight these units are ideal for UAVs. They operate over the frequency range 4.5 to 18 GHZ with output powers up to 140 W, and offer probably the highest power density on the market.