Amplifier Research 15T4G18A TWT Amplifier, 4 - 18 GHz, 15W

Amplifier Research 15T4G18A

The Amplifier Research 15T4G18A is a cutting-edge self-contained, forced air-cooled, broadband traveling wave tube (TWT) microwave amplifier. It's meticulously designed for applications requiring minimal harmonic content in sub-band ranges while providing an expansive instantaneous bandwidth, high gain, and moderate power output.

Powered by a reliable micro TWT, the 15T4G18A reliably delivers a conservative output of 15 watts minimum at the amplifier output connector, with 10 watts achievable in low harmonic modes. The specified power ratings reflect the fundamental frequency, ensuring accuracy and robust performance.

Key Features

• Digital Display: The front panel digital display provides real-time forward and reflected output measurements along with extensive system status information, accessible via intuitive menus and soft keys.
• Status Indicators: Monitor critical states including power on, warm-up, standby, operate, faults, excess reflected power warning, and remote operation.
• Interfaces & Protection: Equipped with a built-in IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface, VSWR protection, gain control, and an RF output sample port, ensuring versatile connectivity and operational safety.
• Advanced Monitoring: Comprehensive system monitoring includes TWT helix current, cathode voltage, collector voltage, heater current, heater voltage, baseplate temperature, and cabinet temperature.
• Modular Design: The amplifier’s modular architecture facilitates easy access and repairs, while a switching mode power supply significantly reduces overall weight.

Housed in a modern cabinet, this unit is perfect for benchtop applications but can also be removed for rack mounting. The AR 15T4G18A is ideal for various RF power needs, including Test and Measurement applications, EMC RF susceptibility testing, as well as industrial and university research and development.

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), ±5dB maximum (8.0 - 18 GHz)
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 4.2-18 GHz instantaneously or selectable in 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): 35 dB minimum
• INPUT IMPEDANCE: 50 ohms, VSWR 2.0:1 maximum
• OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 50 ohms, VSWR 2.5:1 typical
• MISMATCH TOLERANCE: Output power foldback protection at reflected power exceeding 20 watts (10 watts in low harmonic mode). Safe operation with any impedance magnitude and phase, though caution is advised against unshielded open tests.
• MODULATION CAPABILITY: Supports AM, FM, or pulse modulation; AM peak envelope power is limited to specified power.
• NOISE POWER DENSITY:
  • Minus 80 dBm/Hz (maximum)
  • Minus 90 dBm/Hz (typical)
• HARMONIC DISTORTION:
  • User selectable sub-band at 10 watts: Minus 20dBc maximum, Minus 30dBc typical
  • Full band at 15 watts:
  • 4.2-4.5GHz; Minus 0dBc maximum, Minus 1dBc typical
  • 4.5-5GHz; Minus 1dBc maximum, Minus 2dBc typical
  • 5-7GHz; Minus 2.5dBc maximum, Minus 4dBc typical
  • 7-10 GHz; Minus 5dBc maximum, Minus 9dBc typical
  • 10-12 GHz; Minus 8dBc maximum, Minus 12dBc typical
  • Above 12 GHz; Minus 20dBc maximum, Minus 30dBc typical
• PRIMARY POWER:
  • 99-260 VAC
  • 50/60 Hz single phase
  • 600 VA maximum
• CONNECTORS:
  • RF input: Type N precision female on rear panel
  • RF output: Type N precision female on rear panel
  • RF output sample port: Type N precision female on rear panel
  • GPIB: IEEE-488 (f)
  • Interlock: DB-15 female on rear panel
• COOLING: Forced air with self-contained fans; air entry and exit positioned at the rear.
• WEIGHT: Approximate weight is 32 kg (70 lbs).
• SIZE (W x H x D): 50.3 x 16.5 x 68.6 cm (19.8 x 6.5 x 27 in.)