The Amplifier Research (AR) 250T8G18 is a cutting-edge, self-contained broadband traveling wave tube (TWT) microwave amplifier, meticulously engineered for applications demanding instantaneous bandwidth and exceptional gain. Featuring a trustworthy TWT, the amplifier delivers a robust 250 watts minimum output at the amplifier flange, ensuring reliability across various operating conditions.

Key Features

The AR 250T8G18 Amplifier flaunts an intuitive front panel digital display, providing real-time data on forward and reflected output along with comprehensive system status. Users can access a series of informative menus via soft keys, with status indicators including:

• Power on
• Warm-up
• Standby
• Operating status
• Fault alerts
• Excess reflected power warning
• Remote operation

Connectivity & Protection

This amplifier is equipped with several standard features: an IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface for seamless integration, a 0 dBm input, VSWR protection, gain control, RF output sample port, auto sleep functionality, and extensive monitoring capabilities for TWT helix current, cathode voltage, collector voltage, heater current, heater voltage, baseplate temperature, and cabinet temperature.

Modular Design

The innovative modular design of the amplifier's power supply and RF components allows for simplified access and maintenance. Incorporating a switching mode power supply not only enhances performance but also significantly reduces overall weight. The available external video pulsing feature minimizes prime power consumption for pulse applications.

Versatile Application

With its modern aesthetic, the AR 250T8G18 is ideal for bench-top usage and can be easily transferred for rack mounting if needed. This amplifier is the ultimate solution to supply RF power across a spectrum of applications in Test and Measurement, EMC RF susceptibility testing, Industrial and University Research and Development, and Service applications.

Specifications

• Power (fundamental), CW, @ Output Connector:
  • Nominal: 300 watts
  • Minimum: 250 watts
  • Linear @ 1dB Compression: 70 watts minimum
• Flatness: ±12 dB maximum, equalized for ±5 dB maximum at rated power
• Frequency Response: 7.5-18 GHz instantaneously
• Input for Rated Output: 1.0 milliwatt maximum
• Gain (at maximum setting): 54 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 50 watts. Will operate without damage or oscillation with any magnitude and phase of source and load impedance. Caution advised with unshielded open due to potential coupling to input.
• Modulation Capability: Capable of accurately reproducing AM, FM, or pulse modulation input. AM peak envelope power is limited to specified power.
• Video Pulse Capability:
  • Pulse Width: 0.05 microseconds min
  • Pulse Rate (PRF): 100kHz max
  • RF Rise and Fall: 30 ns max (10% to 90%)
  • Delay: 300 ns max from pulse input to RF 90%
  • Pulse width distortion: ±30 ns max (50% points of output pulse width compared to 50% points of input pulse width)
• Noise Power Density: -70 dBm/Hz (maximum), -72 dBm/Hz (typical)
• Harmonic Distortion:
  • Below 10 GHz: -5 dBc max., -7 dBc typ.
  • 10-12 GHz: -8 dBc max., -12 dBc typ.
  • Above 12 GHz: -20 dBc max., -30 dBc typ.
• Primary Power: 190-260 VAC, 50/60 Hz single phase, 2.5 KVA maximum
• Connectors:
  • RF input: Type N female on rear panel
  • RF output: Type WRD –750D24 waveguide flange on rear panel
  • RF output sample port: Type N female on rear panel
  • GPIB: IEEE-488 (f) on rear panel
  • Interlock: DB-15 (f) on rear panel
  • Video: BNC-female on rear panel
• Cooling: Forced air (self-contained fans), air entry and exit in rear.