TMS releases GaN amplifier line that re-defines the optimal SWaP currently available in the industry in the 0.1 to 6.0 GHz range.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA –  November 23, 2015  – Teledyne Microwave Solutions (TMS) today announced a new line of wideband GaN amplifiers that further lowers the form factor threshold in the industry for the 0.1 GHz to 6.0 GHz frequency range.

The new line consists of five GaN wideband amplifier models that raise the bar for SWaP (size, weight and power) in this category of GaN amplifiers while meeting the stringent airborne requirements of the most demanding commercial and military applications. The dimensions, excluding connectors, are 2.5”L x 2”W x .42”H, at only 2.1 cubic inches. The five models numbers are TSA-213241; TSA-213242; TSA-213243; TSA-213244; and TSA-213245. Additional specifications for the new line can be reviewed here.

TMS has leveraged its 50 year amplifier engineering heritage to create a modular, non-ITAR line of amplifiers that TMS can quickly and efficiently tailor to the specific needs of customers utilizing one of the industry’s most comprehensive repository of parts. With wider bandwidths that enable more design flexibility, the new GaN amplifier line offers a unique value proposition for the most demanding SWaP needs of today’s airborne markets.

“This GaN line is the latest addition to the portfolio we have developed over decades, including our AVP catalog series,” said Dan Cheadle, CTO of Teledyne Microwave Solutions Mountain View, CA facility. “Leveraging the high power output and high efficiency of GaN, these amps offer a durable GaN solution that delivers the highest output power over wide bandwidths in the smallest footprint possible today.”

This family of amplifiers was designed and manufactured with great attention to thermal requirements to ensure the high reliability required in the most demanding applications. With a calculated MTBF of over 40,000 hours @ +85° C, these units are suitable for airborne applications as well as challenging land based environments.

Depending on frequency band, output power ranges between 15 and 40 watts. Each amplifier includes preamp and driver stages to produce a minimum overall gain of 50 dB. Internal control circuitry ensures safe startup so supply voltages can be applied in any order. In addition to normal DC connections via a 15 pin Micro D connector, other convenient control / interface features available via the connector include a TX enable / disable TTL command (100 ns TYP, 200 ns MAX); over temperature automatic shutdown and associated alarm (TTL); and the ability to monitor unit temperature via an analog voltage which is proportional to case temperature.

These amplifiers provide nominal output power of 15-40 Watts. Each uses control circuitry to ensure safe startup and automatic thermal shutdown and recovery. The amplifier line has an external pin for TTL on/off control, and they use the preamp and driver stages to provide ~50 dB of overall gain. The amps feature enable/disable via TTL command with a 100 ns typical enable/disable speed, 200 ns maximum; over temperature automatic shutdown reported via Micro D connector; analog voltage proportioned to case temperature provided via Micro D connector; and internal control circuitry that ensures safe startup so voltages can be applied in any order.