Comtech EF Data PCB-4300 - Manual (Page 15)

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Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
Phase combining is a traditional technique that cost effectively increases the available output power
of an amplifier system. The PCB-4300 1:2 Phase Combiner (Figure 1-1), together with three Solid
State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) and associated waveguide and cabling, form a complete 1:2 phase
combined system.
Figure 1-1. Comtech EF Data PCB-4300 1:2 Phase Combiner Control Box (PCCB)
In a 1:2 phase combined system, two of the three SSPAs are normally online and their outputs are
summed in the waveguide combiner, effectively doubling the system output power. The third SSPA
remains offline and, in the event of a failure of either of the two online units, its “standby” output is
automatically switched in place of the failed unit – thereby maintaining full system output power.