Amplifier Research 15T4G18

The Amplifier Research 15T4G18 is an advanced, self-contained, forced air-cooled microwave amplifier engineered for applications demanding low harmonic content in sub-band ranges while offering wide instantaneous bandwidth, high gain, and moderate power output. It utilizes a reliable micro Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) that guarantees a minimum output of 15 watts from the amplifier's output connector, reaching up to 10 watts in low harmonic modes. The stated power specifications are provided at the fundamental frequency, ensuring precision in performance.

Key Features:

• Digital Display: The front panel includes a digital display that shows forward and reflected output alongside extensive system status information, accessible through a series of intuitive menus and soft keys.
• Status Indicators: Comprehensive status indicators include power on, warm-up, standby, operate, faults, excess reflected power warning, and remote operation.
• Built-in Interfaces: Equipped with an IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface, this amplifier also features a 0 dBm input, VSWR protection, gain control, and an RF output sample port.
• Monitoring Capabilities: It continuously monitors TWT helix current, cathode voltage, collector voltage, heater current, heater voltage, baseplate temperature, and cabinet temperature, ensuring optimal performance.
• Modular Design: The modular architecture of the power supply and RF components facilitates easy access for maintenance and repair, while the integrated switching mode power supply significantly reduces weight.

Specifications:

Power (Fundamental), CW, @ Output Connector:

• Nominal: 40 watts
• Minimum: 15 watts (10 watts in low harmonic mode)
• Linear @ 1dB Compression: 7 watts minimum

Flatness: ±9 dB maximum (4.2 - 18 GHz); ±5 dB maximum (8.0 - 18 GHz)

Frequency Response: 4.2 - 18 GHz instantaneously, or selectable among three sub-bands in low harmonic mode.

Input for Rated Output: 1.0 milliwatt maximum

Gain (at Maximum Setting): 41 dB minimum

Gain Adjustment: Continuous range of 35 dB minimum

Input Impedance: 50 ohms, VSWR 2.0:1 maximum

Output Impedance: 50 ohms, VSWR 2.5:1 typical

Mismatch Tolerance: Features output power foldback protection at reflected power exceeding 20 watts (10 watts in low harmonic mode), designed to operate without damage or oscillation regardless of source and load impedance. Caution is advised with unshielded open connections.

Modulation Capability: This amplifier faithfully reproduces AM, FM, or pulse modulation on the input signal, with AM peak envelope power limited to specified output power.

Noise Power Density: Maximum: -80 dBm/Hz; Typical: -90 dBm/Hz

Harmonic Distortion:

In User Selectable Sub-Band (at 10 watts): -20 dBc maximum, -30 dBc typical

Full Band at 15 Watts:

• 4.2 - 4.5 GHz: -0 dBc maximum, -1 dBc typical
• 4.5 - 5 GHz: -1 dBc maximum, -2 dBc typical
• 5 - 7 GHz: -2.5 dBc maximum, -4 dBc typical
• 7 - 10 GHz: -5 dBc maximum, -9 dBc typical
• 10 - 12 GHz: -8 dBc maximum, -12 dBc typical
• Above 12 GHz: -20 dBc maximum, -30 dBc typical

Primary Power: 99-260 VAC, 50/60 Hz, single phase, 600 VA maximum

Connectors:

• RF Input: Type N female on rear panel
• RF Output: Type TNC female on rear panel
• RF Output Sample Port: Type N female on rear panel
• GPIB: IEEE-488 (f)
• Interlock: DB-15 female on rear panel

Cooling: Self-contained forced air cooling with air entry and exit at the rear enhances reliability and thermal management.