Bidirectional amplifier aids communications and telemetry

11th January 2017

Enaie Azambuja

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NuWaves Engineering nears completion on the Internal Research and Design (IRaD) phase for their miniaturized VHF/UHF RF bidirectional amplifier (BDA). The NuPower Xtender 16A06A model features high linearity performance, small size and weight, high ACLR, and broad supply voltage range and a low-cost solution. Initial low rate production is scheduled to start early February with testing starting shortly after. Demo units will be available by late March.

The NuPower Xtender 16A06A will provide 4 W of linear power over the frequency range of 225 MHz to 512 MHz. The BDA will produce greater than 10 W of saturated output power for applications where linearity is not required (i.e., constant envelope waveforms).

Available as a circuit card assembly or an enclosed module, this BDA provides the system integrator with the choice of a small, lightweight assembly for highly embedded designs, or a module for rugged reliability under harsh conditions.

As a circuit card assembly, the BDA measures 2.34” x 2.34” x 0.61” and weighs 1.92 ounces, while the fully enclosed module version measures 2.34” x 2.34” x 0.70” at 2.88 ounces. Targeting an adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) of -33 dBc at 4 W’ average power output, this BDA is capable of achieving higher data throughput and a clearer reliable signal.

This BDA also features a broad supply voltage range of +10 to +32 VDC, capable of supporting an array of RF communications, telemetry and electronic warfare applications, including systems running on battery power.

“We are excited to add this bidirectional amplifier module to our NuPowerTM XtenderTM line of products. This product is targeted at the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) market, filling the gap in the market for small, linear VHF/UHF power amplifiers,” said Jeff Wells, President and CEO of NuWaves Engineering. “The NuWaves’ team takes pride in our ability to support our clients with best-in-class RF solutions, rapidly fulfilling the ever-changing needs of the Warfighter.”

NuWaves Engineering is a premier supplier of RF and Microwave solutions for Department of Defense (DoD), government, and industrial customers. An RF engineering powerhouse, NuWaves offers a broad range of design and engineering services related to the development and sustainment of key communications, telemetry and electronic warfare systems, as well as a complete line of commercially available RF products. NuWaves’ products include wideband frequency converters,

high-efficiency and miniature solid state power amplifiers and bidirectional amplifiers, high intercept low noise amplifiers and miniature RF filters. The NuPower Xtender 16A06A will be available in the second quarter of 2017.