Spaceborne X-Band Solid State Power Amplifier

This product has been discontinued

General Dynamics’ space-qualified, X-Band Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) operates over the frequency range of 7.8 to 8.8 GHz. The RF amplifier design is based on GaAs power MMIC technology providing high efficiency, high reliability, small size and low mass. Included in the unit is a DC-DC power converter and regulator, specifically designed for the SSPA utilizing synchronous rectifier technology to maximize power conversion efficiency. General Dynamics flight heritage includes both Mars Exploration Rovers and the Mars Curiosity rover. It will also be used on the Mars 2020 rover.

High efficiency (28%)
GaAs MMIC technology
Small size and mass
S-level parts
Covers deep-space and near earth frequency bands

Features

The X-Band Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) is designed for use as a companion unit to General Dynamics’ Small Deep Space Transponder (SDST), or it can be used as a stand-alone power amplifier. As shown in the figure in the datasheet, the SSPA is designed to supply telemetry signals that can be connected directly to the SDST to make a complete transmitter/ receiver with a single MIL-STD-1553B data interface. The SSPA also provides a full complement of analog telemetry signals, as well as direct access to selected functions for monitoring during subsystem and spacecraft ground testing. The SSPA operates in compression to maximize efficiency for constant envelope modulation, but can be ordered with Automatic Level Control (ALC) to maintain linear operation for modulation formats such as QPSK having a variable envelope carrier.

17 Watts typical output power
7.8 - 8.8 GHz frequency range
Built-in DC-DC converter and regulator
22 to 36 VDC input voltage
High efficiency (28%)
GaAs MMIC technology
Small size and mass
S-level parts
Covers deep-space and near earth frequency bands
Fully space qualified and radiation tolerant
EMC performance qualified to MIL-STD-461C

Specifications

X-Band Solid State Power Amplifier Data Sheet	View Document
RF	Output Power: > 15 Watts (17 Watts typical) Output Power Variation: ±0.25 dB over any 50 MHz band Input Power: +1 dBm ±2 dB Input/Output Impedance: 50 ohms Input/Output VSWR: 1.5:1 maximum Source/Load VSWR: 1.75:1 maximum Output Protection: No damage, any VSWR, any phase Spurious Outputs: < 60 dBc Harmonic Outputs: < 30 dBc RF Breakdown Margin: > 6 dB @ VSWR of < 10:1, any phase
User Interface	RF Input: SMA-F RF Output: SMA-F (optional waveguide flange) DC Power Input: 21-socket Microminiature D Telemetry/Direct Access: 25-Pin Microminiature D
Input Power	Operating Voltage: 22 to 36 VDC Over/Under Voltage: 0 to +22, +36 to +50 Vdc, no damage Power: 65.5 Watts max (60 Watts nominal) Isolation to Chassis: 1 to 100 megohms Inrush Current Limiter: Optional (reduces efficiency ≈ 1%) External Sync: 125 kHz ± 10% (optional)
General	Maximum Dimensions: 6.85”L x 5.275”W x 1.85”H, excluding mounting feet Mass: 3.02 lbs (1.37 kg) Protoflight/Qualification Temperature: -40°C to +70°C Flight Acceptance Temperature: -40°C to +60°C Vibration: 7.9 Grms (protoflight) Pyrotechnic Shock: 2000 G Altitude: Sea level to vacuum Radiation: to 100 krads (Si)