Comtech EF Data TRP500 - Manual (Page 24)

TRP500-4450 C-band Outdoor Amplifier Revision 1
Introduction MN-TRP500
1–2
1.2 Functional Description
Each TRP500 consists of a CEFD Solid-State Power Amplifier (SSPA) module with a
Monitor/Control Processor (MCP), a power supply, and a fan assembly. The amplifier features a
proprietary Comtech EF Data low-loss combining technique and MCP-based temperature-versus-
gain compensation.
1.3 Features
1.3.1 The Solid-State Advantage
The TRP500 is constructed with highly reliable gallium arsenide field-effect transistors (GaAs
FETs). Solid state devices are generally known to exhibit much better third-order
intermodulation products than TWTs, and CEFD units can replace TWTs with saturated power
levels of up to twice the TRP500’s output. SSPAs are also considered to have longer lifetimes or
mean time between failures (MTBF) than TWTs.
1.3.2 Enhanced Standard Features
The TRP500 comes equipped with useful features that other manufacturers offer only as options.
Included are temperature compensation, output sample port, forward and reverse power monitors,
power factor corrected supply, and full remote monitor and control (M&C) capabilities (including
Ethernet and serial).
1.3.3 Complete Temperature Testing
While others may imply temperature compliance, each TRP500 amplifier is fully tested over the
specified operating temperature range and corresponding test data is supplied. This ensures a
reliable unit and the customer can have confidence and the knowledge that each unit has been tested
and passed criticial specifications at the operating temperature extremes.
1.3.4 Reverse Power Monitor
The TRP500 contains a reverse power monitor to provide useful information to the user and also
to protect the unit from excessive reverse power. The TRP500 has a built- in output isolator to
provide good output VSWR and a level of protection against excessive reverse power. The
isolator is rated to handle 53 dBm (200W) of reverse power. If the unit detects a reverse power
monitor of greater than 52 dBm, the unit will automatically shut itself down for protection
purposes. The user must clear the reason for the excessive reverse power, and then enable the
“MUT” and “AMP” commands (see remote section of this manual).
The user may also adjust the reverse power monitor threshold to a level less than 52 dBm, and set
it to be a Fault or Alarm condition. (Regardless of user setting, however, if the reverse monitor
detects a level above 52 dBm, the unit will shut down). Although both the reverse and forward
power monitors display a 30 dB range, reasonable judgment should be used in settings or
readings in the lower end of the range. A datasheet is sent with the units showing the accuracy of