Features; Functional Description - Comtech EF Data HPOD Installation And Operation Manual

HPOD C-, X-, Ku-Band High-Power Outdoor Amplifier
Introduction
1.1.1

Features

The HPOD SSPA base unit provides features that are typically offered as options elsewhere. Its
features include temperature compensation, sample ports, power monitor, field‐replaceable
power factor‐corrected power supply, and full remote monitor and control capabilities. Higher
power is available through the use of CEFD 1:1 and 1:2 phase combining kits.
•
Solid‐State Advantage: Each HPOD is constructed with highly reliable gallium arsenide
(GaAs) FETs. With third order intermodulation products from 4 dB to 6 dB better than
TWTA ratings, the HPOD replaces TWTAs with saturated power levels of up to twice the
HPOD's rated output. The HPODs also provide a mean time between failures (MTBF)
that is 4 to 5 times greater than the typical TWTA MTBF.
•
Field‐Replaceable Power Supply: Recognizing that the MTBF limiting factor for almost
all electronic equipment is the power supply, the HPOD provides for easy field
replacement. Simply disconnect the AC mains, release the captive fasteners, and
remove the supply from the SSPA module.
•
Built‐in Redundancy Controller: Each HPOD has the ability to function as a 1+1 (one
backup for one primary) and 1+2 (one backup for two primaries) redundancy controller
in the backup mode. The optional redundancy configuration is implemented by
attaching a ganged waveguide/coax transfer switch(es) to the input and output
connectors of the amplifiers with a combination coaxial cable and waveguide kit. When
the backup SSPA is commanded into the controller mode, it monitors the online SSPA(s)
for faults. A faulted online unit may be disconnected and replaced without affecting the
online power amplifier.
•
Phase Combining: Comtech EF Data's phase‐combined systems allow the outputs of two
amplifiers to be summed together. A "normal" 1:1 system using 300W amplifiers
provides 300W of output power (the offline unit's capabilities are unusable). The same
amplifiers in a 1:1 phase‐combined system provide 600W of output power in normal
operation, and a "soft failure" state of 300W. If no degradation on failure can be
accommodated, a third amplifier can be added to form a 1:2 phase‐combined system.
•
Optional "Smart BUC" Functionality: Comtech EF Data's unique approach to L‐Band/RF
frequency conversions eliminates DC and 10 MHz from the input coax. This simplifies
redundancy and multi‐carrier operation. It offers full 13.75 GHz to 14.5 GHz Ku‐Band
coverage and supports industry standard FSK modem/BUC communications. The
optional BUC can lock to an external or internal reference oscillator.
1.2

Functional Description

Each HPOD consists of a CEFD SSPA module with a field replaceable power supply, a field
replaceable fan assembly, and the Monitor/Control Processor (MCP). The amplifier features a
Comtech EF Data low loss combining technique and MCP based temperature versus gain
compensation.
1–2
Revision 6
MN/HPOD.IOM