Advantech Wireless Inc of Montreal, Canada (which manufactures satellite, RF equipment and microwave systems) has launched a 50W X-band gallium nitride (GaN)-based solid-state power block up-converter (SSPB/BUC) for tactical military applications.
The 50W GaN X-band BUCs are constructed in a compact cooling enclosure specially designed for outdoor operation. The units are weatherproof and are suited to harsh environments such as man-pack terminal deployments. Weighing less than 3.5kg (about 8 lbs), the units are part of a series of hub-mounted, up-converter transmitters using Advantech Wireless' satellite GaN technology.
"Low energy consumption and small size are critical for tactical military applications," notes Cristi Damian, VP business development. "These GaN-based BUCs meet the most stringent military specifications. They are designed for the new WGS [Wideband Global SATCOM system]-certified terminals and deliver more power per square inch than any other unit in the market," it is claimed.
The design of the 50W GaN X-band BUCs is based on Advantech Wireless' industry-proven solid-state high-power amplifiers. The BUCs are integrated units, complete with power supply, phase-locked oscillator, mixer, filter and cooling mechanism. Built-in design features result in a product with what is claimed to be exceptional linearity and operating efficiency. For solid communications and in the harshest of environments, Advantech Wireless' 50W GaN X-band BUCs are the product of choice.
