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214578 REV A ECO 18422
GaN PowerMAX
Second Generation GaN
Modular N+1 Phase Combined System
System Operation
The PowerMAX system maintains complete parallel redundancy down to
the embedded control level. Therefore the loss of an entire HPA chassis will
not interrupt remote communications with the system. Remote communica-
tions can be either RS-485 or Ethernet. The system will automatically
correct its gain level in the event of one or more HPA chassis failures.
The sophisticated system monitor and control allows the system to be
locally or remotely operated as if it were a “single” chassis amplifier. The
system control maintains a hierarchical management that allows the
operator to interface to a single chassis of the multi-module array.
Another feature unique to Teledyne Paradise Datacom’s PowerMAX is the
introduction of “true rms” output power measurement. Unlike other amplifier
systems that utilize diode detection schemes, the PowerMAX reports the
true rms output power of the system independent of the number of carriers
and modulation schemes.
Proprietary waveguide combining techniques are employed so that
maximum power combining efficiency is optimized within the operating
frequency band.
System Output Power and Configurations
Because the system power combining is purely passive and no switching is used, there is never an
interruption in RF output power. The PowerMAX system is typically used as a “self-redundant”
system. The output power is sized such that the loss of (1) RF module’s power will still allow the
system to maintain its minimum required output power. This type of system architecture is described
as n+1 redundant. The system can be configured with any number of modules but best overall
efficiency is obtained with the popular binary combinations of 4, 8, or 16 modules. It is very easy to
upgrade the PowerMAX system from 4 modules to 8 or 16 modules in the field. It is not necessary to
fully populate the system at the time of initial purchase. This provides the user a path to upgrade
output power capability as system requirements grow, thus keeping capital investment minimized.
For sizing redundant output power capability use the following guideline to determine the output
power of the system with the loss of (1) module.
4 Module System - 3 of 4 Modules Operable = 2.5 dB loss in output power capability
8 Module System - 7 of 8 Modules Operable = 1.2 dB loss in output power capability
16 Module System - 15 of 16 Modules Operable = 0.6 dB loss in output power capability
