Operations Manual

The most important thing we build is trust.

VEPA 10W Linear Power Amplifier

OP1920613 Rev1

22 Apr 2011

1 of 30

GMS Inc. doing business as Cobham Tactical Communications and Surveillance

Cobham Tactical Communications and Surveillance

1916 Palomar Oaks Way, Suite 100, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Tel: 760-496-0055
FAX: 760-496-0057

www.cobham.com/tcs

REVISION HISTORY
Version
X1
X2
X3
X4
1

Date
April 23 2010
June 14 2010
Oct. 20 2010
Nov. 20 2010
Apr. 23 2011

OP1920613 Rev 1

Author
Silvano Padoan
Silvano Padoan
Silvano Padoan
Silvano Padoan
Owen de Meyer

Comments
Initial release.
Added paragraph 4.4
Adapted for rev X3 of the product
Added data for L2-band and SK-band
Transferred from 100-M0135X4

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6

CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS ............................................................................................................................................................. 5

ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 5
SUPPLY VOLTAGE AND CURRENT ............................................................................................................................................. 5
LOAD TERMINATION.......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
HEATSINK ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
RF OVERDRIVE......................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
POWER MEASUREMENT ................................................................................................................................................................... 7

2.0

ABSOLUTE MAX RATINGS ................................................................................................................................................................... 7

3.0

SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

4.0

OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS ....................................................................................................................................................... 9

4.1 USING A TRANSMITTER/PA COMBINATION.................................................................................................................... 9

4.1.1 The old FM approach................................................................................................................................................................. 9
4.1.2 The NEW Digital Modulation approach ........................................................................................................................ 9
4.1.3 Matching a Transmitter to a PA...................................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS AND INDICATORS ............................................................................................................. 11
4.2.1 RF-IN .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
4.2.2 RF-OUT.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
4.2.3 Vcc ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2.4 GND LUG and NEG RTRN ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2.5 PA Enable ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
4.2.6 0-15dB INPUT ATTENUATOR ........................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2.7 REMOTE ATTEN. CONTROL ................................................................................................................................................ 13
4.2.8 10W COFDM OR 20W FM OVERDRIVE IDENTIFIER ........................................................................................ 13
4.2.9 TEMPERATURE DETECTOR ................................................................................................................................................. 13
4.2.10
ID LABEL ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
4.3 CONNECTING & DISCONNECTING THE POWER AMPLIFIER ............................................................................. 14
4.4 OVERDRIVE PROTECTION CIRCUIT ..................................................................................................................................... 16
5.0

TYPICAL POWER AMPLIFIER PERFORMANCES ................................................................................................................. 17

5.1 GAIN ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17

5.1.1 S2 BAND .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
5.1.2 L2 BAND ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
5.1.3 SK BAND .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
5.2 CURRENT ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
5.2 CURRENT ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
5.2.1 S2-BAND ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
5.2.2 L2-BAND ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
5.2.3 SK-BAND ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
5.3 LINEARITY .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
5.3.1 S2-BAND ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
5.3.2 L2-BAND ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 24
5.3.3 SK-BAND ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
5.4 POWER VARIATION OVER TEMPERATURE ............................................................................................................................ 26
5.5.1 S2-BAND ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27
5.5.2 L2-BAND ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
6.0
6.1
6.2
6.3

TEST PROCEDURE .............................................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Equipment needed ........................................................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
LARGE SIGNAL S-PARAMETERS TESTS .......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
10W COFDM OR 20W FM TESTS Set up ...................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

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6.4 Preliminary checks ........................................................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

6.5 ROOM TEMPERATURE TESTS................................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.6 TESTS OVER THE TEMPERATURE RANGE .................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.6.1 TEST AT HOT ........................................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.6.2 EST AT COLD ........................................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 - ABSOLUTE MAX RATINGS 1 .................................................................................................................................... 7
Table 2 - SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Table 3 Power supply recommended power capability ........................................................................................ 14
Table 4 - Current values to be used as indication of output power when a PWR meter is not
available ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Table 5 Recommended Test Frequencies ............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1- VEPA-10W PA EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................. 12
Figure 2 GAIN AT 10W COFDM S2-BAND .................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 3 GAIN AT 20 W FM S2-BAND............................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 4 GAIN AT 10W COFDM L2-BAND ...................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 5 - GAIN AT 20 W FM L2-BAND .............................................................................................................................. 18
Figure 6 GAIN AT 10W COFDM SK-BAND ..................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 7 GAIN AT 20W FM SK-BAND .............................................................................................................................. 19
Figure 8 CURRENT AT 10W COFDM S2-BAND .......................................................................................................... 20
Figure 9 CURRENT AT 20 W FM S2-BAND .................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 10 Current 10W COFDM L2-BAND ..................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 11 Current 20W FM L2_BAND .............................................................................................................................. 21
Figure 12 Current 10W COFDM SK-Band ...................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 13 Current 20W FM SK-Band ................................................................................................................................. 22
Figure 14 MER AT 8W S2-BAND ........................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 15 MER AT 10W S2-BAND ........................................................................................................................................ 23
Figure 16 MER AT 8W L2-BAND .......................................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 17 MER AT 10W L2-BAND ....................................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 18 MER AT 8W SK-BAND .......................................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 19 MER AT 10W SK-BAND ....................................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 20 - Power Variation Over Temperature............................................................................................................ 26
Figure 21 S-PARAMETERS NARROW S2-BAND ......................................................................................................... 27
Figure 22 - S-PARAMETERS S2-BANDWIDE VIEW ..................................................................................................... 27
Figure 23 S-PARAMETERS L2-BAND NARROW VIEW ............................................................................................ 28
Figure 24- S-PARAMETERS L2-BAND WIDE VIEW ..................................................................................................... 28
Figure 25 S-PARAMETERS SK-BAND NARROW VIEW .......................................................................................... 29
Figure 26 - S-PARAMETERS SK-BAND WIDE VIEW ................................................................................................... 29
Figure 27-Test set up when a GMS transmitter is used as signal sourceError! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 28- Test set up when a COFDM Signal Generator is used ............... Error! Bookmark not defined.
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 PRELIMINARY MEASUREMENT REPORT .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
APPENDIX 2 LARGE SIGNAL S-PARA DATA ENTRY SHEET ...................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
APPENDIX 3 DATA ENTRY SHEET (DES) 10W COFDM S2-BAND EXAMPLEError! Bookmark not defined.
APPENDIX 4 DATA ENTRY SHEET (DES) 20W FM S2-BAND EXAMPLEError! Bookmark not defined.
APPENDIX 5 TDR S2-BAND EXAMPLE .................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
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APPENDIX 6 ACRONYMS ........................................................................................................................................................ 30

1.0 CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS

1.1

ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATIONS

There is no consensus in the scientific community about the potential harmful effect of electromagnetic
radiations. This power amplifier will radiate an average 10W power with peak powers 14dB higher when
operating with a COFDM DVBT transmitter. It is recommended that the operator minimizes exposure to
electromagnetic radiations by:
1.1.1
1.1.2
1.2

Avoid direct proximity to the antenna when the transmitter is turned ON.
Use a low leakage attenuator when the transmitter is operated for testing on a bench.
SUPPLY VOLTAGE AND CURRENT

The amplifier is designed for a wide input voltage (9-32Vdc). Make sure that the power supply has a voltage
within this range and is capable of providing the current needed with some margin. At 12 Vdc the amplifier
will draw less than 4.5A when the input power is properly set to deliver 10W COFDM. For 20W FM the
current is usually below 7A. The efficiency of the amplifier remains about constant as the voltage changes.
Therefore the current draw at 24Vdc will be about half the current draw at 12Vdc and the current draw at
9VDc will be about 30% more.
Make sure your power supply is capable of delivering the current needed. Current limiting should be avoided
as it may induce oscillatory voltage fluctuations that might damage the amplifier.
The Power Amplifier is reversed polarity protected.
1.3

LOAD TERMINATION

Always terminate properly the RF output port into a well matched antenna. The amplifier is protected against
excessive VSWR by an isolator. However the reflected power will decrease the link range and will be
dissipated internally in the PA thus increasing the size of the heat-sink needed.
On the bench make sure to use a 20-30dB attenuator rated for 20W (or more).
1.4

HEATSINK

Use an adequate heat-sink to keep the temperature of the PA below 65OC (149 F). Depending on customer
requirements the PA might be shipped mounted on different size heat-sinks. One typical heat-sink has 15 fins
2.2 (55mm) long on a 0.35 (8.9mm) plate. The temperature will raise about 40 OC (45 F) at 10W COFDM
when this heat-sink is kept with the fins down on a test bench (temperature raise will vary depending on the
amount of air flow in the surrounding area).
For 20W operation and also for 10W, depending on the operational environment (ambient temperature,
sun exposure etc.) larger heat-sink and/or forced cooling will be required. An over temperature
detector sticker is applied externally and internally to the PA. The sticker has five white dots which turn black
when the temperature reaches 60, 65, 71, 77, 82 OC. (140, 149, 160, 171, 180 F). A black 71 OC. (160 F) dot
will void the warranty.
INSTALL THE HEATSINK ON THE SIDE OPPOSITE TO THE LABELS.
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1.5

RF OVERDRIVE

The PA is designed to operate at up to 10W average power with COFDM signals having PAR ratios up to
14dB. To achieve the best efficiency the PA operates at the highest power that will allow the desired linearity
without damaging the devices. Therefore it is important not to overdrive the PA or damage might occur.
This PA implements an overdrive protection circuit which automatically and suddenly increases the input
attenuation when the overdrive exceeds 3dB. However the circuit has a discrete intervention time and very
large overdrives might still be able to damage the PA.
The PA can also be operated in FM; because in FM the PAR is low, the PA can be operated at 20W average
power. However this requires the overdrive protection to be set higher. This will allow the operator to use it
at COFDM levels which might be damaging.
Therefore the PA is shipped in two possible configurations: 10W COFDM or 20W FM. The PA configured for
10W COFDM operation has internal protection circuits which will intervene if the PA is overdriven 2-3dB over
the nominal 10W. This PA is not capable of operating at 20W FM because this power will trigger the
protection circuit but operation at 10W FM is possible. This is indicated in a Caution label on the bottom
cover:
CAUTION: CIRCUIT PROTECTION
SET FOR 10W OPERATION

The PA configured for 20W operation has internal protection circuits which will intervene if the PA is
overdriven 2-3dB over the nominal 20W. This PA can be operated normally in COFDM provided the COFDM
average power does not exceed 10W average. Operations at COFDM powers higher than 10W will not be
detected by the protection circuit and might cause permanent damage. This is indicated in a Caution label
on the bottom cover:
CAUTION: CIRCUIT PROTECTION SET
FOR 20W FM. OVERDRIVING OVER 10W
COFDM VOIDS THE WARRANTY

The operator should carefully set the input power accordingly. The PA is equipped with a variable attenuator
controlled by a rotary switch on the front panel or remotely through the wiring in the front panel connector.
When shipped by itself the PA attenuator is set at midrange (8dB). This allows the operator to
adjust the power in 1dB steps until it reaches the desired level. During set up it is recommended that the
output power be monitored with a power meter. If a power meter is not available a gross indication of power
can be assessed by monitoring the current. At 12 Vdc (measured at the terminals of the PA) the current will
average typically 4.2A for 10W of COFDM output power and will be 400-500mA lower for 8W output power.
At 20W FM the current will average typically 6.6A.
CAUTION:
1) If the voltage is higher than 12VDc the current limits will be lower.
2) Read section 6.2 carefully for the safest set up procedure.

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1.6

POWER MEASUREMENT

Using a reliable power meter is recommended for initial power set up. Using in-line power meter is not
recommended especially with antennas for initial set up because an antenna will create a standing wave.
The power meter readings will vary depending on the position of the power meter in the line and its
possible to have readings lower and higher than the actual power delivered by the PA.
Cobham/GMS PA has fairly repeatable performances: the current readings can be used as an approximate
indication of power in absence of a reliable power meter (see table 4).
2.0 ABSOLUTE MAX RATINGS
Table 1 - ABSOLUTE MAX RATINGS 1
MAX RF INPUT COFDM
ATTENUATOR SET TO 0
Other attenuator settings
MAX CONTINUOUS COFDM OUTPUT PWR
MAX CONTINUOUS FM OUTPUT PWR
MAX SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX BASEPLATE TEMPERATURE

( See note 2) below)

< 4dBm
< (4dBm + att setting)
12W
25W

35 Vdc
65 oC

1) The absolute max rating indicates values which, if exceeded, could and/or will damage the PA.
2)
Both the max input power and the PA gain depend on the attenuator setting. In all cases it is
recommended not to exceed the normal operating power, because this will drive the PA to operate with
decrease of linearity and increase current /heat. Since the gain might vary from unit to unit and from
channel to channel consult the TDR for your unit to determine what is the correct gain and then adjust the
input power accordingly.
For example in S2-band the gain is about 42 dB. To operate at 10W COFDM the input power is about -2dBm.
For units set to operate at 20W FM the input power is 1 dBm. With the input attenuator set to 0 never
exceed 3dBm at the input. When the attenuator is set to values other than zero the max RF input power
increases accordingly.

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3.0 SPECIFICATIONS
Table 2 - SPECIFICATIONS
Parameter

Specification

Frequency (GHz)

1.7 - 1.85

2.2-2.4

1.99-2.5

2.2-2.7

L2

S1

S2

SK

45

41.5

41.5

44.5

Gain Adjustment Range (dB)

0 to -15

0 to -15

0 to -15

0 to -15

Adjustment Resolution (dB)

Flatness (dB)

+/- 0.75

+/-0.5

+/-0.7

+/- 0.7

P1dB (dBm)

45

45

45

45

1.3:1 1.5:1

1.3:1

1.4:1

1.4:1

Rated COFDM Output PWR

10W

10W

10W

10W

Rated FM Output PWR

20W

20W

20W

20W

8W

31

31

30

31

10W

28.5

29

28

28.5

8 W COFDM

3.2

3.7

3.7

3.6

10W COFDM

3.6

4.1

4.1

4.0

20 W FM

5.7

6.5

6.5

6.4

10W COFDM

23

21

20

21

20 W FM

28

25

25

25

Frequency Band
Linear Gain (dB center band with attenuator set to 0). (gain
is adjustable through front panel switch or remote control) )
(NOTE 1)

Input/Output VSWR

MER Stationary QPSK (dB) (NOTE 2)

Current (A@ 12 VDC)

(NOTE 3)

Efficiency (%)
DC input voltage (Vdc)

9-32

Mechanical Dimension (without heatsink)

Weight

7.5"L x 4"W x 0.79"H

lbs.

1.62

grams

735

Base-plate Temperature
Operating Humidity

-10 C to + 65 C
95% Non-condensing
ODU-G50L0C-P06LCC0-0000

Control Connector (Pins 1 through 5 enable low)

DC Power Connector
RF Connectors

Pin 1: 1dB
Pin 2: 2dB
Pin 3: 4dB
Pin 4: 8dB
Pin 5: NC
pin 6: GND
Solder pins
SMA Female

Note 1: Average gain among units at the center of the band. See graphs for more details
Note 2: Indicated MER is average value across the band. See graphs for more details
Note 3: Indicated Current is average value across the band. See graphs for more details

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4.0 OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

Read this section carefully and section 1 (CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS) before operating the Power
Amplifier.
4.1

USING A TRANSMITTER/PA COMBINATION

4.1.1 The old FM approach

The methodology of interfacing a digital transmitter with a linear PA is somewhat different that the
methodology used for constant envelope type modulation such as FM.
In the days of FM modulation the last stage of a transmitter was driven into compression to obtain the best
efficiency. The non-linearity caused by this approach did not affect the quality of the link because the
information was contained in the frequency and deviation of the carrier and not in its amplitude and phase.
The only undesirable effect was an increase in harmonics emission, problem which was solved by using a low
pass filter.
In the FM world it made sense to mate a transmitter operating at its RF rated output power to an external
Power Amplifier in order to extend its range of operation. There was no need to modify the Power output of
the transmitter if the PA had the correct gain. For example GMS sold a 200mW FM transmitter and an
additional 10dB gain amplifier to boost the Power to 2W. The operator had only to connect the TX output to
the PA RF input.
THIS APPROACH IS NO LONGER VALID FOR DIGITAL MODULATION.
4.1.2 The NEW Digital Modulation approach
Newer Cobham/GMS transmitters are designed for operation with COFDMDVBT type signal. In this type of
modulation the information is contained in the phase and amplitude of multiple carriers which are
transmitted simultaneously. These carriers, being spaced at regular frequency interval, combine in amplitude
thus creating very large amplitude peaks. The result is that the Peak to Average Amplitude Ratio (PAR) is very
large (typically limited to 14dB by the DAC in the modulator). Unlike the FM world neither the amplitude nor
the phase can be distorted or the quality of the information will be degraded.
In order to avoid this distortion, in the digital modulation world the Power Amplifier operates at a certain
level of back OFF meaning that the average power transmitted is several dB lower than the P1dB of the
various stages of the amplifier. But this has a price in term of power consumption and therefore transmitters
are always designed with the least amount of back off which will give the required linearity.
For the sake of example a 200mW (23 dBm) amplifier deigned to perform with a 25dB MER will use as final
stage a device which has a P1dB around 29dBm. If we had chosen to use a device with greater P1dB the MER
would have been greater at the expense of extra current.
It would be convenient if we could couple this transmitter with a 10dB gain amplifier and obtain a 2W
transmitting system, but this is NOT the approach that provides the best results. Lets say that our amplifier
has an MER of 28 dB. If we connect a 25dB MER signal into it the 3rd order product and harmonics of the
transmitter will further re-grow in the PA. The resulting MER will be lower than 25dB and therefore the system
will no longer be capable of transmitting higher order constellations. In order to obtain a resulting 25dB MER
(same MER as the transmitter by itself) we would be forced to overdesign the transmitter by considerably
degrading its efficiency.
The proper approach to solve this problem and obtain the best linearity (MER) and efficiency in all cases is to:
1) Make a transmitter which has 25dB MER when operating at 200mW
2) Use a PA with higher gain and an MER a little higher than 25dB
3) When the transmitter is used in combination with the PA, the transmitter Power is Backed OFF (i.e. an
internal attenuator is set higher).
By doing so the Transmitter is operating at a larger Back OFF from the P1dB and the linearity increases.
(typically around 31dB MER). With a 31dB MER input the PA will see little third order product at its input and
the total MER combination will be higher than 25dB as required for best system performance.
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Cobham/GMS transmitters are factory calibrated with the proper amount of Back OFF when shipped in
combination with the PA.
CAUTION: WHEN COMBINING A TRANSMITTER WITH A PA FOR THE FIRST TIME THE CUSTOMER SHOULD ALWAYS MAKE SURE
THAT THE POWER OUTPUT OF THE TRANMITTER IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE MAX ABSOLUTE RATING OF THE POWER
AMPLIFIER.

4.1.3 Matching a Transmitter to a PA

Cobham/GMS transmitters are calibrated at the factory to provide a constant output power over the
frequency bands. The I&Q lines also are calibrated to optimize residual carrier leakage and phase unbalances.
When the transmitter is installed in combination with a PA the matched pair is usually retuned at the factory.
to achieve the same goals. As explained in paragraph 4.1.2 above the transmitter output power is BACKED
OFF by a fixed number of dB reserved as User attenuation by Selecting Low Power Mode.
If the customer desires to operate the transmitter by itself all he has to do is reduce the User Attenuation to 0
by selecting the High Power mode.
CAUTION: Failure to select Low Power Mode when the TX is used in combination with the PA will cause a
large overdrive, and will trigger the Overdrive Protection and/or damage the PA
An example will help clarify the issue.
Cobham/GMS sells a transmitter call M2T which provides a 200mW (23dBm) COFDM output power. This
transmitter is sold by itself or installed in a rack mount combination (called CMT-R) with a 10W PA. Since the
PA has about 40 dB gain the output power of the transmitter is reduced by 7dB and the PA input attenuator is
set to 15dB. There is an additional 1dB loss in cables and adapters.
Therefore the output power would be:

Pout dBm = P TX - Att user - PAat t + PAGAIN Losses = 23 7 15 + 40 1 = 40 dBm

If the customer desired to operate the TX by itself he/she would set the User attenuation to zero and the TX
would have again 23dBm power at the output.
If all elements in the system were perfect there would be no need for calibration.
In practice there are several elements that need to be taken in account: Gain, flatness of the PA, cable losses
and accuracy of the attenuators in the TX and in the PA are some of the factors.
Because of the above if the transmitter were not calibrated with the PA there would be:
1) Large swing in Pout from unit to unit and from frequency to frequency
2) Imperfect IQ lines calibration (lower MER)
The consequences are that the transmitter will not be exactly at 23 dBm when operating by itself and the IQ
will not be optimal. The customer should expect the transmitter to have powers ranging from 20-23 dBm
typically.
At the time this manual was written Cobham/GMS is investigating the process of implementing a system so
that dual calibration factors could be stored in the transmitters. This will allow optimizing the TX-PA
combination and also the TX when operated in stand-alone mode.

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4.2

EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS AND INDICATORS

HEATSINK
SIDE

REMOTE ATTEN.
CONTROL
TEMPERATURE
DETECTOR

0-15dB INPUT
ATTENUATOR

PA ENABLE

LED STATUS
INDICATOR

+Vcc
RF Out,
Antenna Port

GND LUG AND

NEG .RTRN

TEMPERATURE
DETECTOR

OVERDRIVE
WARNING

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10W COFDM OR 20W FM

OVERDRIVE IDENTIFIER

ID LABEL

Figure 1- VEPA-10W PA EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS

4.2.1 RF-IN
SMA Input from signal source
4.2.2 RF-OUT
SMA Output to the antenna. This output is protected by an internal isolator
4.2.3 Vcc
Power supply input. Operating voltage ranges from 9Vdc to 32 Vdc. The input is reverse
polarity protected.
4.2.4 GND LUG and NEG RTRN
This terminal is connected to chassis. Apply here the Negative of the power supply and the
return of the Enable signal.
4.2.5

PA Enable
Enable Pin Input Voltage High : Min 2.5Vdc
Enable Pin Input Voltage Low : Max 0.8Vdc
Enable Pin Input Voltage Max : 5Vdc or < Vcc with a 10k -100k resistor.
Input current: 30uA to 40uA
The PA can be enabled by connecting a 10k -100k resistor from the Enable pin to the Vcc pin.

4.2.6 0-15dB INPUT ATTENUATOR

16 positions rotary attenuator 0 to 15dB. This is factory set before shipment at 8dB. The
customer should apply input power consistent with the specified gain of the PA (see
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specifications in Table 2) and then lower the attenuator setting until the desired output power
is achieved.
4.2.7 REMOTE ATTEN. CONTROL
The attenuation is set by grounding pins 1 to 4. This will allow attenuation values ranging from
0 to 15dB. Pin 5 is not connected . Pin 6 is GND.
Pin Number
4
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND

3
Open
Open
Open
Open
GND
GND
GND
GND
Open
Open
Open
Open
GND
GND
GND
GND

2
Open
Open
GND
GND
Open
Open
GND
GND
Open
Open
GND
GND
Open
Open
GND
GND

Attenuation
(dB)
1
Open
GND
Open
GND
Open
GND
Open
GND
Open
GND
Open
GND
Open
GND
Open
GND

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

4.2.8 10W COFDM OR 20W FM OVERDRIVE IDENTIFIER

The label identifies if the product is factory set for 10W COFDM operation or for 20W FM. See
paragraph 1.5 for a full explanation.
4.2.9 TEMPERATURE DETECTOR
The temperature detector sticker has five white dots which turn black when the temperature
reaches 60, 65, 71, 77, 82 OC. (140, 149, 160, 171, 180 F). A black 71 OC. (160 F) dot will void
the warranty. Identical stickers are placed inside the unit.
4.2.10 ID LABEL
The label identifies the P/N, model number and S/N of the unit
PROD: VEPA 10W (VERY
EFFICIENT PA) 1.99 2.5GHz
ITEM : 800-A1088X3
M/N : VEPA10WS2
S/N : XXXXXX-XX

The label above shows that the PA operates in the S2 band between 1.99 and 2.5GHz. The
power shown (10W) is the operating power for COFDM.
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4.3

CONNECTING & DISCONNECTING THE POWER AMPLIFIER

When Connecting the Power Amplifier, follow the following steps for best results and to avoid damaging
the amplifier.
1) Apply the load to the amplifier (make sure a good load is ALWAYS present when working with any
power amplifier).
For operational set up, use an antenna with a good VSWR (< 1.5:1 recommended). The PA is
protected by an internal isolator against any mismatch; however the reflected power will decrease the
efficiency of the link and will also cause extra heat to be dissipated internally to the PA.
For bench tests use a 20-30 dB attenuator rated at least at 20W connected directly at the RF Out
port.
2) Measure the signal level from your transmitter or signal generator before connecting it to the input
port. AN EXCESSIVE INPUT POWER MIGHT DAMAGE THE PA. The input level should be
conservatively set lower and then raised while monitoring the output power and/or current.
When using a COFDM transmitter such as COBHAM/GMS VMT, M2T and M2TE use the low power
mode for best results. It is necessary to attenuate the power internally to the transmitter rather than
placing an attenuator at the transmitter output because the linearity of the transmitter will be better.
Consult the transmitters manual for operation at low power.
If needed add also external attenuator to the transmitter or signal generator until the desired power is
obtained
Start with an input power to the PA set at 3 dBm or lower
3) Verify that the PA input attenuator is set at about mid-range. The PA is factory shipped with the
input attenuator set at 8. This will allow some margin for error if a mistake was made in the
transmitter settings.
4) Set your supply at the desired operation voltage within the 9-32Vdc range. Make sure the power
supply is capable of supplying the current required. The following table 1 gives current values as
function of voltage. A small margin for a possible current surge at start up is included.
Table 3 Power supply recommended power capability
Voltage
(Vdc)

9
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
OP1920613 Rev 1

Recommended
Supply Current
capability (A)
10W
20W FM
8.0
12.0
7.0
11.0
6.0
9.0
5.0
8.0
5.0
7.0
4.0
6.0
4.0
5.5
4.0
5.5
3.0
4.5
3.0
4.5
3.0
4.0
3.0
4.0
3.0
3.5

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5) Connect the power supply to the PA using adequate AWG wire. Keep in mind that the voltage drop in
the wire will reduce the voltage at the PA supply terminal and therefore will cause an increase in
current. The current consumption indicated in the specification sheet and in Table 3 is valid when the
voltage is measured at the PA input terminals.
6) Connect a power meter at the RF port (after the attenuator). If a power meter is not available use the
current meter to get an (approximate) indication of power.
7) Connect the RF input to the Power Amplifier. The power should be less than desired. If the power
exceeds 10W(for COFDM) or 20W (for FM) an error was made in the setup of input power:
DISCONNECT THE RF INPUT IMMEDIATELY and recheck the power at the output of the transmitter.
8) Adjust the PA RF input attenuator until the desired power is reached. If a PWR meter is not available
use the current indication for an approximate estimate of power. Table 4 gives conservative current
indications for various voltages and powers.
Table 4 - Current values to be used as indication of output power when a PWR meter is not
available
The current varies somewhat with frequency and from unit to unit. Consult the data sheet for more accurate
information.
Current indication (A) to be used to estimate PWR when a PWR meter is not available S1 and S2-band

Voltage
(Vdc)
9
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32

2.0

2.1

5.6
5.0
4.2
3.6
3.2
2.8
2.5
2.3
2.1
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6

5.6
5.0
4.2
3.6
3.2
2.8
2.5
2.3
2.1
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6

For 10W COFDM

For 20W FM

Frequency (GHz)
2.2
2.3

Frequency (GHz)

5.5
4.9
4.1
3.5
3.1
2.7
2.5
2.2
2.1
1.9
1.8
1.6
1.5

5.3
4.8
4.0
3.4
3.0
2.7
2.4
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5

2.4

2.5

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

5.5
4.9
4.1
3.5
3.1
2.7
2.5
2.2
2.1
1.9
1.8
1.6
1.5

5.3
4.8
4.0
3.4
3.0
2.7
2.4
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5

8.8
8.0
6.6
5.7
5.0
4.4
4.0
3.6
3.3
3.1
2.8
2.7
2.5

8.8
8.0
6.6
5.7
5.0
4.4
4.0
3.6
3.3
3.1
2.8
2.7
2.5

8.6
7.8
6.5
5.6
4.9
4.3
3.9
3.5
3.2
3.0
2.8
2.6
2.4

8.4
7.6
6.3
5.4
4.7
4.2
3.8
3.4
3.2
2.9
2.7
2.5
2.4

8.6
7.8
6.5
5.6
4.9
4.3
3.9
3.5
3.2
3.0
2.8
2.6
2.4

8.4
7.6
6.3
5.4
4.7
4.2
3.8
3.4
3.2
2.9
2.7
2.5
2.4

Current indication(A) to be used to estimate PWR when a PWR meter is not available L2-band
For 10W COFDM

Voltage
(Vdc)
9
10
12
14
16
18

1.7

1.75

4.87
4.38
3.65
3.13
2.74
2.43

4.73
4.26
3.55
3.04
2.66
2.37

OP1920613 Rev 1

Frequency (GHz)
1.8
1.85
4.60
4.14
3.45
2.96
2.59
2.30

4.60
4.14
3.45
2.96
2.59
2.30

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GMS Inc. doing business as Cobham Tactical Communications and Surveillance

For 20W FM
Frequency (GHz)
1.7

1.75

1.8

1.85

7.87
7.08
5.9
5.06
4.43
3.93

7.47
6.72
5.6
4.80
4.20
3.73

7.40
6.66
5.55
4.76
4.16
3.70

7.40
6.66
5.55
4.76
4.16
3.70
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Current indication(A) to be used to estimate PWR when a PWR meter is not available L2-band

Voltage
(Vdc)
1.7
2.19
1.99
1.83
1.68
1.56
1.46
1.37

20
22
24
26
28
30
32

1.75
2.13
1.94
1.78
1.64
1.52
1.42
1.33

For 10W COFDM

For 20W FM

Frequency (GHz)
1.8
1.85
2.07
2.07
1.88
1.88
1.73
1.73
1.59
1.59
1.48
1.48
1.38
1.38
1.29
1.29

Frequency (GHz)
1.7
3.54
3.22
2.95
2.72
2.53
2.36
2.21

1.75
3.36
3.05
2.80
2.58
2.40
2.24
2.10

1.8
3.33
3.03
2.78
2.56
2.38
2.22
2.08

1.85
3.33
3.03
2.78
2.56
2.38
2.22
2.08

Current indication (A) to be used to estimate PWR when a PWR meter is not available SK-band

Voltage
(Vdc)
9
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32

4.4

2.2

2.3

5.39
4.848
4.04
3.46
3.03
2.69
2.42
2.20
2.02
1.86
1.73
1.62
1.52

5.29
4.764
3.97
3.40
2.98
2.65
2.38
2.17
1.99
1.83
1.70
1.59
1.49

For 10W COFDM

For 20W FM

Frequency (GHz)
2.4
2.5

Frequency (GHz)

5.19
4.668
3.89
3.33
2.92
2.59
2.33
2.12
1.95
1.80
1.67
1.56
1.46

5.13
4.62
3.85
3.30
2.89
2.57
2.31
2.10
1.93
1.78
1.65
1.54
1.44

2.6

2.7

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

5.08
4.572
3.81
3.27
2.86
2.54
2.29
2.08
1.91
1.76
1.63
1.52
1.43

5.16
4.644
3.87
3.32
2.90
2.58
2.32
2.11
1.94
1.79
1.66
1.55
1.45

8.62
7.76
6.46
5.54
4.85
4.31
3.88
3.53
3.23
2.98
2.77
2.59
2.42

8.47
7.62
6.35
5.44
4.76
4.23
3.81
3.46
3.18
2.93
2.72
2.54
2.38

8.30
7.47
6.22
5.33
4.67
4.15
3.73
3.39
3.11
2.87
2.67
2.49
2.33

8.21
7.39
6.16
5.28
4.62
4.11
3.70
3.36
3.08
2.84
2.64
2.46
2.31

8.13
7.32
6.10
5.23
4.57
4.06
3.66
3.33
3.05
2.81
2.61
2.44
2.29

8.26
7.43
6.19
5.31
4.64
4.13
3.72
3.38
3.10
2.86
2.65
2.48
2.32

OVERDRIVE PROTECTION CIRCUIT

The PA implements an overdrive protection circuit which intervenes when the average input
power is exceeded by about 2-3dB. When the circuit intervenes the input attenuator is
increased by 16dB and the LED indicator turns from Green to Red. This is a latched condition.
In order to reset the attenuation, DC input power must be cycled OFF and ON.

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5.0 TYPICAL POWER AMPLIFIER PERFORMANCES

This chapter gives typical power amplifier performances. The PA has repeatable performances from unit to unit.

5.1 GAIN
5.1.1

S2 BAND

Figure 2 GAIN AT 10W COFDM S2-BAND

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Figure 3 GAIN AT 20 W FM S2-BAND

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5.1.2

L2 BAND

Figure 4 GAIN AT 10W COFDM L2-BAND

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Figure 5 - GAIN AT 20 W FM L2-BAND

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5.1.3

OP1920613 Rev 1

SK BAND

Figure 6 GAIN AT 10W COFDM SK-BAND

Figure 7 GAIN AT 20W FM SK-BAND

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5.2 CURRENT
5.2.1 S2-BAND

Figure 8 CURRENT AT 10W COFDM S2-BAND

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Figure 9 CURRENT AT 20 W FM S2-BAND

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5.2.2 L2-BAND

Figure 10 Current 10W COFDM L2-BAND

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Figure 11 Current 20W FM L2_BAND

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5.2.3 SK-BAND

Figure 12 Current 10W COFDM SK-Band

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Figure 13 Current 20W FM SK-Band

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5.3 LINEARITY
The MER was measured with a Rhode & Schwartz EFA Test RCVR mod 2067 in Stationary mode QPSK. The MER in 16QAM is about 0.6dB less
than the MER in QPSK mode.
Other instruments such as the MXA Agilent Signal Analyzer N9020A gave about 2dB better results.
5.3.1 S2-BAND

Figure 14 MER AT 8W S2-BAND

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Figure 15 MER AT 10W S2-BAND

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5.3.2 L2-BAND

Figure 16 MER AT 8W L2-BAND

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Figure 17 MER AT 10W L2-BAND

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5.3.3 SK-BAND

Figure 18 MER AT 8W SK-BAND

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Figure 19 MER AT 10W SK-BAND

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5.4 POWER VARIATION OVER TEMPERATURE

Figure 20 - Power Variation Over Temperature

The figure above shows the variation over temperature of a typical power amplifier. Temperature is varied while the input signal is maintained
constant.

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5.5 Large Signal S-PARAMETERS S11 and S21 were measured with -10dBm input causing the Pout to exceed 1-2W depending on
frequency.
5.5.1 S2-BAND

50

dB

dB

50

S21

40

40

S11

30

S22

30
20

20
10

S21

GHz

S11

10

S22

0
2.00

0.5

GHz

1.5

2.5

3.5

4.5

5.5

6.5

-10

2.05

2.10

2.15

2.20

2.25

2.30

2.35

2.40

2.45

2.50
-20

-10
-30

-20
-40

-30

-50

Figure 21 S-PARAMETERS NARROW S2-BAND

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Figure 22 - S-PARAMETERS S2-BANDWIDE VIEW

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7.5

8.5

5.5.2 L2-BAND

Figure 23 S-PARAMETERS L2-BAND NARROW VIEW

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Figure 24- S-PARAMETERS L2-BAND WIDE VIEW

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5.5.3 SK-BAND

Figure 25 S-PARAMETERS SK-BAND NARROW VIEW

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Figure 26 - S-PARAMETERS SK-BAND WIDE VIEW

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APPENDIX 1 ACRONYMS

AWG
COFDM
CMT-R
DES
DVBT
DVM
FM
GMS
LO
M2T
M2TE
MER
PA
PAR
PWR
QAM
QPSK
R&S
RCVR
RF
S/N
SDMT
TDR
TX
VEPA
VMT
VSWR

American Wire Gauge

Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
Configurable Messenger Transmitter -Rack Mount Kit
Data Entry Sheet
Digital Video Broadcasting Terrestrial
Digital Volt-Meter
Frequency Modulation
Global Microwave Systems
Local Oscillator
Messenger 2 Transmitter
Messenger 2 Transmitter Enhanced
Modulation Error Ratio
Power Amplifier
Peak Average Ratio
Power
Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying
Rhode and Schwartz
Receiver
Radio frequency
Serial Number
Standard Definition Messenger Transmitter
Test Data Record
Transmitter
Very Efficient Power Amplifier
Veta Miniature Transmitter
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

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