PCD6S050R, PCD6S100R,

PCD6S150R, PCD6S200R

C-Band Solid-State Power Amplifiers

These high power solid-state amplifiers offer output powers of 50, 100, 150 or 200 watts
across the standard 5.850 to 6.425 GHz satellite uplink band. Built for reliable, trouble-free
service, the amplifiers incorporate microprocessor-based monitor and control systems.

Features Options
• 50/100/150/200 W saturated output power • Parallel I/O with Form ‘C’ outputs and
• Gain adjustment (remote controllable) optoisolated inputs
• Direct-reading RF power meter • Built-in 1:1 redundancy control —
no external controller required
• Microprocessor-based monitor and control
• Serial interface (RS232/422/485) standard
• Output isolator for high VSWR protection
• Front panel RF In/Out sample ports
• Rack slides

2120 Old Gatesburg Road, State College, PA 16803 USA • Telephone 814-238-2700 • FAX 814-238-6589
www.tripointglobal.com 12868 A 1
Functional Description Remote Control
These rugged, reliable, solid-state power amplifiers The standard unit contains one Form ‘A’ summary
deliver the power output of a TWTA yet achieve fault output and serial I/O to allow control and
lower intermodulation distortion and longer lifetime monitoring of the SSPA from a remote location. The
than tube type amplifiers. 9-pin serial interface can be connected to RS-232
VertexRSI has incorporated a number of features unbalanced, RS-422 balanced, or RS-485 multidrop
into its in-house all GaAs FET SSPA modules, interfaces. Baud rates are selectable from 300, 1200,
including low loss power combining techniques, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, or 28800 baud. Unit
active bias regulation for stable Q-point vs. time and addresses can be set between 0 and 255. Features
temperature, microprocessor-based current fault controlled and monitored remotely include:
monitoring of each RF power FET, and low dropout
dc regulation to minimize wasted power. FAULTS SERVICE
The amplifiers incorporate complete thermal • List faults • Metering
management, optimized by thermal analysis CAD • Reset faults Power Output
software to deliver lower device junction tempera- Temperature
tures. The forced-air cooling system draws cool air OPERATE Current
in through front panel vents and exhausts air out the • Operate/Mute Voltage
rear panel vents. • Gain • µP Test
• Antenna/Dummy Load
All models use high efficiency switching power
(1:1 systems with SETUP
supplies. DC power, regulation, and bias circuitry are
System Option A) • Faults
all optimized to minimize generation of waste heat. • Power Cal
1:1 (with Option 4) • Serial I/O
• Auto/Manual Mode • Power-up State
• On-Line/Standby • Password
• Status

0-20 dB
ATTENUATOR

RF IN SSPA RF OUT

INPUT
SAMPLE OUTPUT
-10 dBc SAMPLE
-40 dBc

FORWARD
GAIN ADJ. CURRENT TEMPERATURE POWER

PRIME VOLTAGE 1:1 CONTROL

POWER PS MONITOR & CONTROL (OPTION 4)
IN

SERIAL I/O PARALLEL I/O

RS232/422/485 (OPTION 3)

2 12868 A
Operator Interface simple, logical menus arranged in order of most
Microprocessor-based monitor and control simpli- frequent use. Four menu softkeys are used to scroll
fies amplifier operation and allows incorporation of through menus and make selections, while two keys
powerful user-friendly features, such as direct- are used to increment or decrement parameters.
reading RF power metering with display in dBm, Information is presented on an alphanumeric 2-line
dBW, or watts. Operation is menu-driven, with by 20-character backlit liquid-crystal display.

SOLID STATE POWER AMPLIFIER

STATUS FAULTS

ON LINE NONE

RF ON MINOR

MUTE MENU MAJOR

PREV SEL INC DEC

Controls Status Indicators

MENU ← Scrolls menu display to the left ON-LINE SSPA is on-line unit
MENU PREV Moves to previous menu RF ON RF is ON (not muted or disabled)
MENU SEL Selects present menu item MUTE SSPA is muted
MENU → Scrolls menu display to the right Fault Indicators
INC ↑ Increases selected parameter NONE No faults detected
DEC ↓ Decreases selected parameter MINOR Minor (informational) fault
MAJOR Major (disabling) fault

Fault Monitoring and Metering values and tolerances are all adjustable from the
The internal microprocessor continually monitors front panel via the setup menu. Password protection
operation of the SSPA and reports any faults on the can be activated to prevent inadvertent or unautho-
front panel display. Monitored parameters include rized access. Faults are reported as either major
microprocessor status, overtemperature shutdown, (disabling) or minor (informational). Major faults will
heatsink temperature, device currents, power supply cause automatic switchover in a 1:1 redundant
voltages, RF output level, 1:1 status (with Option 4), system, but minor faults will not.
maintenance switch position (with System Option A), The following parameters can be displayed via the
and reflected power (with System Option B). Nominal operate and service menus:

Parameter Features/Notes Measurement Range Resolution

Gain Adjust 0 to -20 dB 0.1 dB
50 W: +17.0 to +49.0 dBm
Can be offset ±6 dB in 0.1 dB steps 100 W: +20.0 to +52.0 dBm 0.1 dB
Power Output
for calibration/loss compensation. 150 W: +22.0 to +54.0 dBm (top 20 dB)
200 W: +23.0 to +55.0 dBm
Temperature Heatsink -40.0 to +85.0 °C 0.5 °C
Each stage 0 to 10.00 A 40 mA
Current Total current 0 to 99.99 A 40 mA
Voltage Each supply 0 to 12.50 V 50 mV
50 W: +17.0 to +49.0 dBm
Reflected Available on 1:1 systems 100 W: +20.0 to +52.0 dBm 0.1 dB
Power (with System Option B). 150 W: +22.0 to +54.0 dBm (top 20 dB)
200 W: +23.0 to +55.0 dBm

2120 Old Gatesburg Road, State College, PA 16803 USA • Telephone 814-238-2700 • FAX 814-238-6589
www.tripointglobal.com 12868 A 3
1:1 Option (Option 4) A maintenance switch at the system output is
This option adds 1:1 redundancy switchover logic offered as an option. This allows operation of the
to the SSPA. With this option, no external redundan- system into the antenna or into a dummy load. This
cy controller is required. The complete 1:1 redundant switch is controlled and its position is monitored via
SSPA system consists of two SSPAs, an external the serial I/O interface.
switching assembly, and a cable to link the SSPAs. A reflected power monitor is also available as an
If a fault occurs in one of the units, it is switched off- option. Reflected power is measured at the system’s
line. Full remote control of the system is available via output and can be monitored via the serial
the serial I/O interface (or parallel I/O with Option 3). I/O interface.

MOTOR 2
SSPA 1 J8
REFL. POWER
J9
MOTOR 1
J6

J7
1:1 LINK

M1 RF
OUT

RF
IN

REFLECTED
POWER
1:1 LINK MONITOR
(OPTION B)
SSPA 2 J7
M2

MAINTENANCE
SWITCH
(OPTION A)

NOTE: SHADED ITEMS ARE OPTIONAL

Parallel I/O Option (Option 3) • Remote, Local, Maintenance Mode

This option adds eight Form ‘C’ status outputs, and Control Inputs
eight contact-closure-to-ground control inputs, and • Major/Minor Faults with 1:1 Option
an analog voltage output that is proportional to • Mute/Unmute/RF Inhibit • Auto/Manual Select
forward power. Each input or output is menu select- • Fault Reset • Standby/On-Line
able. • Antenna/Dummy
Load
Form ‘C’ Status Outputs
• Major/Minor Faults with 1:1 Option Analog Output
• Mute/Unmute/RF Inhibit • Auto/Manual • Proportional to forward power, 0 to 5 Vdc
• Faults: • On-Line/Standby nominal, 0.1 V/dB (5 V = +50 dBm)
Summary, Power Out, • Antenna/Dummy • Balanced, 2-wire. Can be run over long
Reflected Power, Voltage, Load Position distances.
Current and Temperature • Drives loads to 600 ohms min.

4 12868 A
 PCD6S050R-XX, PCD6S100R-XX,
SPECIFICATIONS PCD6S150R-XX, PCD6S200R-XX
Parameter Notes Min Nom/Typ✝ Max Units
Frequency Range 5.850 6.425 GHz
Gain, at Maximum Gain Setting 50 W 55 58 dB
100 W 57 60 dB
150 or 200 W 60 63 dB
Gain Adjust Range 20 dB
Gain Flatness Full band ±0.75 dB
Per 40 MHz ±0.3 dB
Saturated Power Output 50 W +47 (50) dBm (W)
100 W +50 (100) dBm (W)
150 W +52 (150) dBm (W)
200 W +53 (200) dBm (W)
Power Output, at 1 dB 50 W +46 (40) dBm (W)
compression 100 W +49 (80) dBm (W)
150 W +51 (125) dBm (W)
200 W +52 (160) dBm (W)
Two-tone Intermodulation At 3 dB total backoff from -30 -25 dBc
1 dB compression point
Group Delay Linear 0.03 ns/MHz
Parabolic 0.003 ns/MHz2
Ripple 1.0 ns p-p
AM/PM Conversion At 3 dB backoff 1.0 2.0 °/dB
Noise Figure At maximum gain 8 dB
VSWR Input 1.25 1.30 :1
Output 1.20 1.30 :1
Front Panel Sample Ports Input -10 dBc
Output -40 dBc
Connectors Input Type N Female
Output CPR137G Waveguide
Sample Ports Type N Female
Serial I/O 9-pin D, Female
Parallel I/O (Option 3) 37-pin D, Male
Power IEC 320
Power Requirements Voltage, 50 W 90-135 or 180-270 Vac
Voltage, 100, 150, or 200 W 180 270 Vac
Frequency 47 63 Hz
Power, 50 W 375 425 W
Power, 100 W 700 750 W
Power, 150 or 200 W 1100 1200 W
Cooling System Forced air. Intake on front panel.
Operating Temperature Range Ambient air temperature 0 +50 °C
Size 50 W 19 W x 7 H x 24 D inches
483 W x 178 H x 610 D mm
100, 150, or 200 W 19 W x 8.75 H x 24 D inches
483 W x 222 H x 610 D mm
✝ When there is only one value on a line, this column is a nominal value. Otherwise it is a typical value. Typical values are intended
to illustrate typical performance, but are not guaranteed.

2120 Old Gatesburg Road, State College, PA 16803 USA • Telephone 814-238-2700 • FAX 814-238-6589
www.tripointglobal.com 12868 A 5
Outline Drawing, SSPA

50 W Unit 1.48
( 37. 6)
SOLID STATE POWER AMPLIFIER
MODE L : PCD- 6 0 5 0 / R
F RE Q. : 5 . 8 50 - 6. 425 GHz

SAMPLE STATUS FAULTS POWER

CALIBRATION

ON LINE NONE

INPUT RF ON MINOR

CALIBRATION
MUTE MAJOR
4.00 MENU
6.97
PREV SEL INC DEC
( 10 1. 6) (177)
OUTPUT

CHASSIS DEPTH
(TO REAR SURFACE
OF FRONT PANEL)
24" WR137G FLANGE,
(6 1 0) FLUSH WITH
BACK EDGE 9.50
RF OUT - CPR137G FLANGE (241)
OF ENCLOSURE

J2 RF OUT

1.87
(47.5)

6.84
(173.7)

RF IN
(TYPE N
FEMALE)
J1 RF IN
J3 90-135 or 180-270V J4 OPTION 3 PARALLEL I/O OPTION 4 1:1 CONTROLLER
LINE Autoranging
SERIAL I/O J6 J7 J8 J9
J5 PARALLEL I/O MOTOR 1 LINK MOTOR 2 REFL. POWER
+20 dBm
maximum

RS-232/RS-422/RS-485
47-63 Hz

VIEW A-A

Outline 6932

100, 150, and

200 W Units
MODE L : P CD- 6 2 0 0 / R
1.48 SOLID STATE POWER AMPLIFIER FRE Q. : 5 . 5 80 - 6.425GHz
( 37. 6)
SAMPLE STATUS FAULTS POWER
CALIBRATION

ON LINE NONE

INPUT RF ON MINOR

CALIBRATION
MUTE MAJOR
MENU
PREV SEL INC DEC
8,72
(221)
OUTPUT
5.75
( 146. 0)

CHASSIS DEPTH
(TO REAR SURFACE
OF FRONT PANEL)
24" WR137G FLANGE,
(6 1 0) FLUSH WITH
BACK EDGE RF OUT - CPR137G FLANGE 9.50
OF ENCLOSURE (241)

J2 RF OUT

2.03
(51.6)

8.59
(218)

RF IN
(TYPE N
FEMALE)

J3 LINE J1 RF IN
180-270V ONLY J4 OPTION 3 PARALLEL I/O OPTION 4 1:1 CONTROLLER
SERIAL I/O J6 J7 J8 J9 +20 dBm
J5 PARALLEL I/O MOTOR 1 LINK MOTOR 2 REFL. POWER maximum

RS-232/RS-422/RS-485
47-63 Hz

Outline 4872

6 12868 A
Outline Drawing, 1:1 System

(PRC1D200R shown)

19"
(4 82 . 6 )

MODE L : P CD- 6 2 0 0 / R
SOLID STATE POWER AMPLIFIER F RE Q.: 5 . 5 80 - 6.425GHz

SAMPLE STATUS FAULTS POWER

CALIBRATION

ON LINE NONE

INPUT RF ON MINOR

CALIBRATION
MUTE MAJOR
MENU
PREV SEL INC DEC

OUTPUT

8.72 TYP.
( 2 2 1. 5) S SPA 1

MODEL : P CD- 6 2 0 0 / R
SOLID STATE POWER AMPLIFIER F RE Q:
. 5 . 5 80 - 6.425GHz

SAMPLE STATUS FAULTS POWER

CALIBRATION

ON LINE NONE

INPUT RF ON MINOR

CALIBRATION
MUTE MAJOR
MENU

PREV SEL INC DEC T O J 6 ON S S P A 1

OUTPUT

S SP A 2

9.50
(241. 3)

WAVEGUIDE
MOUNTING
24" 5. 50 SURFACE
(609 . 6) (1 3 9 . 7 )

6.36
(1 6 1 . 5 )

P ORT 1

1
PORT 2

P ORT 3 RF IN
TYPE N FEMALE

RF OUT
CPR137G FLANGE

NOTES:

1) REMOVE WAVEGUIDE, SWITCH AND RELATED CABLES

BEFORE SLIDING AMPLIFIER RACK OUT.
2) AIR INTAKE ON FRONT PANELS AND AIR EXHAUST ON
REAR PANELS MUST NOT BE OBSTRUCTED.
3) CABLES SHOWN ARE FURNISHED WITH SYSTEM.

4) DIMENSIONS ARE SHOWN IN INCHES (mm).

Outline 5671

2120 Old Gatesburg Road, State College, PA 16803 USA • Telephone 814-238-2700 • FAX 814-238-6589
www.tripointglobal.com 12868 A 7
Connector Interface
Ref. Des. Function Connector Type Mating Connector Comment
J1 RF/IF Input Type N Female Type N Male
J2 RF Output CPR137G Waveguide CPR137 Flange
J3 AC In IEC 320 IEC Cordset Supplied
J4 Serial I/O 9-pin D, Female 9-pin D, Male Standard
J5 Parallel I/O 37-pin D, Male 37-pin D, Female Option 3
J6 1:1 Switch 4-pin Molex 4-pin Molex Option 4
J7 1:1 Link 6-pin Molex 6-pin Molex Option 4

Part Number/Ordering Information

SSPAs:
PCD6S050R-XX
50 watts = 050
100 watts = 100
150 watts = 150
Options 200 watts = 200
Parallel I/O ................................................................................ 3
Form ‘C’ status outputs (100 Vdc/0.5 A contacts) and
contact closure to ground (5 V/5 mA) control inputs.
1:1 Redundancy .............................................................................. 4
Redundant capability (required for units in 1:1 systems)

Redundant Systems:
(Consists of 1:1 switching
assembly, two SSPAs, and
PRC1D050R-XXX
interconnecting cables.) 50 watts = 050
100 watts = 100
150 watts = 150
Options 200 watts = 200
Parallel I/O ................................................................................ 3
Form ‘C’ status outputs (100 Vdc/0.5 A contacts) and
contact closure to ground (5 V/5 mA) control inputs.
Maintenance Switch ....................................................................... A
Allows selection of antenna or dummy load at system output
Reflected Power Monitor ....................................................................... B
Measures reflected power at system output

Related Accessories:
• RCP-1000 SSPA Remote Control Panel
1U-high rack-mounted panel duplicates all menus and functions available at SSPA front
panel. Can be located up to 1.3 km (4000 ft) away and interconnects with inexpensive cable.
• MAXCONTM Monitor and Control Software. Microsoft Windows application.

12868 Rev. A 1/21/04

Specifications are subject to change at VertexRSI's discretion.

2120 Old Gatesburg Road, State College, PA 16803 USA • Telephone 814-238-2700 • FAX 814-238-6589
8 12868 A www.tripointglobal.com