Comtech EF Data HPOD User manual

Part Number MN/HPOD.IOM Revision 9
HPOD
C,X,Ku-BandHighPower
OutdoorAmplifier
Installation and Operation Manual
Part Number MN/HPOD.IOM
Revision 9
December 19, 2022
IMPORTANT NOTE: The information contained in this document supersedes all previously published
information regarding this product. Product specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

C-, X-and Ku-Band High-Powered Outdoor Amplifier
Revision 9
Copyright © 2022 Comtech Satellite Network Technologies. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
Comtech Satellite Network Technologies, 2114 West 7th Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281 USA, 480.333.2200, FAX: [phone]
Revision History
Rev
Date
Description
1
---
Initial Release.
2-8
-
Various updates. Refer to PLM for details.
9
11/8/2022
Updated logo
Editorial & formatting

HPOD C-, X-, Ku-Band High-Power Outdoor Amplifier
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Table of Contents TOC-i MN/HPOD.IOM
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................. I
LIST OF TABLES......................................................................................................................V
LIST OF FIGURES...................................................................................................................VI
PREFACE................................................................................................................................... I
About this Manual..................................................................................................................... i
Disclaimer.................................................................................................................................i
Conventions and References................................................................................................... i
Patents and Trademarks ..........................................................................................................i
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes .............................................................................................. ii
Examples of Multi-Hazard Notices...........................................................................................ii
Recommended Standard Designations ...................................................................................ii
Electrical Safety Notice ...........................................................................................................iii
Installation Guidelines Regarding Power Line Quality..........................................................iii
Product Support.......................................................................................................................iv
Comtech Headquarters............................................................................................................iv
Warranty Policy........................................................................................................................iv
Limitations of Warranty...........................................................................................................iv
Exclusive Remedies................................................................................................................v
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................1–1
1.1 Overview.....................................................................................................................1–1
1.2 Features......................................................................................................................1–2
1.2.1 Solid-State Advantage..............................................................................................1–2
1.2.2 Field-Replaceable Power Supply..............................................................................1–2
1.2.3 Built-in Redundancy Controller.................................................................................1–2
1.2.4 Phase Combining.....................................................................................................1–2
1.2.5 Optional “Smart BUC” Functionality..........................................................................1–2
1.2.6 Over Drive (Excessive RF Input Level) and OPS......................................................1–3
1.3 Functional Description...............................................................................................1–3
1.3.1 Dimensional Envelope..............................................................................................1–4
1.4 Theory of Operation...................................................................................................1–5

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1.4.1 SSPA Module...........................................................................................................1–6
1.4.2 Power Supply ...........................................................................................................1–6
1.4.3 Cooling System ........................................................................................................1–6
1.4.4 Monitor and Control (M&C).......................................................................................1–6
1.4.5 Block Up Converter Input Option ..............................................................................1–7
1.5 Specifications.............................................................................................................1–8
CHAPTER 2. EXTERNAL CONNECTORS AND PINOUTS ................................................2–1
2.1 Cabling Connection Types ........................................................................................2–1
2.1.1 Coaxial Cable Connections ......................................................................................2–1
2.1.2 Circular Cable Connections......................................................................................2–2
2.2 HPOD SSPA Cabling Connections............................................................................2–2
2.3 RF Signal Interface Connector Group.......................................................................2–4
2.3.1 ‘J1 | RF IN’ Connector ..............................................................................................2–4
2.3.2 ‘J2 | RF OUT’ Connector ..........................................................................................2–4
2.4 Ground and Power Connection Group .....................................................................2–5
2.4.1 Ground Connection ..................................................................................................2–5
2.4.2 ‘J3 | AC IN’ Connector (AC Power Main) ..................................................................2–5
2.4.3 ‘J10’ Connector: Optional -48V DC Power Supply....................................................2–6
2.5 Electrical Control Interface Connection Group........................................................2–7
2.5.1 ‘J4 | REDUNDANT LOOP’ Connector.......................................................................2–7
2.5.2 ‘J6 | COM1’ Connector .............................................................................................2–8
2.5.3 ‘J8 | INPUT SAMPLE’ Connector..............................................................................2–8
2.5.4 ‘J9 | OUTPUT SAMPLE’ Connector..........................................................................2–8
2.6 Energize the HPOD SSPA..........................................................................................2–9
CHAPTER 3. UPDATING FIRMWARE................................................................................3–1
3.1 Overview.....................................................................................................................3–1
3.2 Getting Started: Prepare for the Firmware Download..............................................3–2
3.3 Download and Extract the Firmware Update............................................................3–5
3.4 Perform the FTP Upload Procedures........................................................................3–8
3.4.1 Perform the Automated Serial-based FTP Upload Procedure...................................3–9
3.4.2 Perform the Ethernet-based FTP Upload Procedure...............................................3–11
CHAPTER 4. ETHERNET-BASED REMOTE PRODUCT MANAGEMENT.........................4–1
4.1 Overview.....................................................................................................................4–1
4.2 Ethernet Management Interface Protocols...............................................................4–2

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4.3 SNMP Interface...........................................................................................................4–2
4.3.1 Management Information Base (MIB) Files...............................................................4–2
4.3.2 SNMP Community Strings........................................................................................4–3
4.3.3 SNMP Traps.............................................................................................................4–3
4.4 Telnet Interface...........................................................................................................4–4
4.4.1 Telnet Operation via HyperTerminal.........................................................................4–5
4.5 HPOD Web Server (HTTP) Interface..........................................................................4–6
4.5.1 Enable the Web Server Interface..............................................................................4–6
4.5.2 User Login................................................................................................................4–8
4.5.3 Web Server Interface –Operational Features...........................................................4–9
4.5.3.1 Navigation .........................................................................................................................4–9
4.5.3.2 Page Sections...................................................................................................................4–9
4.5.3.3 Action Buttons ...................................................................................................................4–9
4.5.3.4 Drop-down Lists ................................................................................................................4–9
4.5.3.5 Text or Data Entry...........................................................................................................4–10
4.5.4 Web Server Interface – Menu Tree.........................................................................4–10
4.5.5 Web Server Page Descriptions...............................................................................4–10
4.5.5.1 Home Page .....................................................................................................................4–11
4.5.5.1.1 Home | Home Page...................................................................................................4–11
4.5.5.1.2 Home | Contact and Home | Support Pages.............................................................4–11
4.5.5.2 Admin Pages...................................................................................................................4–12
4.5.5.2.1 Admin | Access Page ................................................................................................4–12
4.5.5.2.2 Admin | SNMP Page .................................................................................................4–14
4.5.5.3 Config Pages...................................................................................................................4–15
4.5.5.3.1 Config | Amplifier Page..............................................................................................4–15
4.5.5.3.2 Config | Utility Page...................................................................................................4–17
4.5.5.3.3 Config | Redundancy Page.......................................................................................4–18
4.5.5.4 Status Pages...................................................................................................................4–19
4.5.5.4.1 Status | Monitor Page................................................................................................4–19
4.5.5.4.2 Status | Alarms Page.................................................................................................4–20
4.5.5.4.3 Status | FETs Page ...................................................................................................4–21
CHAPTER 5. SERIAL-BASED REMOTE PRODUCT MANAGEMENT...............................5–1
5.1 Overview.....................................................................................................................5–1
5.2 Key Operational Parameters......................................................................................5–1
5.2.1 RF Input Level..........................................................................................................5–1
5.2.2 Attenuator Control ....................................................................................................5–2
5.2.3 Mute Control.............................................................................................................5–2
5.2.4 Faults .......................................................................................................................5–2
5.2.5 Power Detector.........................................................................................................5–3
5.2.6 Most Common Remote Queries ...............................................................................5–3
5.3 Serial Remote-Control Introduction..........................................................................5–3
5.3.1 EIA-485....................................................................................................................5–3
5.3.2 EIA-232....................................................................................................................5–4
5.3.3 Basic Protocol ..........................................................................................................5–4
5.3.4 Packet Structure.......................................................................................................5–5
5.3.4.1 Start of Packet...................................................................................................................5–6

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5.3.4.2 Target Address..................................................................................................................5–6
5.3.4.3 Address Delimiter..............................................................................................................5–6
5.3.4.4 Instruction Code................................................................................................................5–6
5.3.4.5 Instruction Code Qualifier..................................................................................................5–7
5.3.4.6 Optional Message Arguments...........................................................................................5–8
5.3.4.7 End of Packet....................................................................................................................5–8
5.4 Remote Commands and Queries ..............................................................................5–9
APPENDIX A. REDUNDANCY SYSTEM ASSEMBLY KITS..............................................A–1
A.1 Overview....................................................................................................................A–1
A.2 Common Mounting Kits............................................................................................A–3
A.2.1 Universal Pole Mounting Kit (Comtech P/N PL/12319-1).........................................A–3
A.2.2 Unit Mounting Kit (Comtech P/N PL/12300-1)..........................................................A–5
A.2.3 1:1 Unistrut Kit (Comtech P/N KT/12200-1).............................................................A–7
A.2.4 1:2 Unistrut Kit (Comtech P/N KT-0000017)............................................................A–9
A.2.5 1:1 or 1:2 Free Standing Unistrut Kit (Comtech P/N KT-0020827).........................A–11
A.3 HPOD 1:1 Redundancy System Mounting and Switch Kit Examples ..................A–13
A.3.1 1:1 Redundancy System Mounting and Switch Kit Examples ................................A–13
A.3.2 Ku-Band 1:1 Free Standing Redundancy System Mounting and Switch Kit Example A–
16
A.3.3 ODPA C-Band 1:1 Redundancy Switch/Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT/11799).A–18
A.3.4 ODPA X-Band 1:1 Redundancy Switch/Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT/11387-1)..A–
20
A.3.5 C-Band 1:1 Redundancy System –Switch and Unistrut Assembly (Comtech P/N
KT/12240-1) .....................................................................................................................A–22
A.3.6 C-Band 1:1 Redundancy Switch/Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT/12201-1).........A–24
A.3.7 C-Band Offline Unit Termination Bypass Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT-0020523)A–
26
A.3.8 Ku-Band 1:1 Redundancy Assembly Kit (Comtech P/N KT/11936-1).....................A–28
A.3.9 Ku-Band 1:1 Redundancy Switch/Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT/12337-1).......A–30
A.4 HPOD 1:2 Redundancy System Mounting and Switch Kit Examples ..................A–32
A.4.1 C-Band 1:2 Redundancy System Example............................................................A–32
A.4.2 C-Band 1:2 Redundancy System Free Standing Example Using Kit KT-0020827 .A–34
A.4.3 Ku-Band 1:2 Redundancy System Example (Comtech P/N KT-0020685)..............A–36
APPENDIX B. 1:1 AND 1:2 REDUNDANCY OPERATION.................................................B–1
B.1 Overview....................................................................................................................B–1
B.1.1 1:1 Redundancy Mode.............................................................................................B–1
B.1.2 1:2 Redundancy Mode.............................................................................................B–2
B.2 Redundancy Operation Using the SSPA (HPOD) Web Server Interface................B–4
B.2.1 Web Server Interface Overview...............................................................................B–4
B.2.2 Config | Redundancy Page......................................................................................B–5

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B.3 Redundancy Operation using Serial-based Remote Commands and Queries .....B–7
B.4 HPOD Series 1:1 Redundancy Test........................................................................B–10
B.4.1 Connection............................................................................................................B–10
B.4.2 Operation...............................................................................................................B–11
APPENDIX C. MAINTENANCE ..........................................................................................C–1
C.1 Overview....................................................................................................................C–1
C.2 Replace the Power Supply........................................................................................C–2
C.2.1 Remove the Old Power Supply................................................................................C–2
C.2.2 Install the New Power Supply..................................................................................C–3
C.3 Replace the Fan Assembly.......................................................................................C–4
C.3.1 Remove the Old Fan Assembly...............................................................................C–4
C.3.2 Install the New Fan Assembly..................................................................................C–5
C.4 Scheduled Maintenance............................................................................................C–6
List of Tables
Table 2-1. HPOD SSPA External Connectors..........................................................................................2–3
Table 2-2. ‘J2 | RF OUT’ Waveguide Output Flange................................................................................2–4
Table 2-3. ‘J3 | AC IN’ Connector Pinout..................................................................................................2–5
Table 2-4. ‘J10 | DC’ Connector Pinout ....................................................................................................2–6
Table 2-5. ‘J4 | REDUNDANT LOOP’ Connector Pinout..........................................................................2–7
Table 2-6. ‘J6 | COM1’ Connector Pinout.................................................................................................2–8
Table A-1. Summary of Available Redundancy System Assembly Kits...................................................A–2
Table A-2. Universal Pole Mounting Kit (Comtech P/N PL/12319-1) Parts List .......................................A–3
Table A-3. Unit Mounting Kit (Comtech P/N PL/12300-1) Parts List ........................................................A–5
Table A-4. 1:1 Redundancy System – Unistrut Kit (Comtech P/N KT/12200-1) Parts List ......................A–7
Table A-5. 1:2 Redundancy System – Unistrut Kit (Comtech P/N KT-0000017) Parts List .....................A–9
Table A-6. 1:1 or 1:2 Redundancy System – Free Standing Unistrut Kit (Comtech P/N KT-0020827) Parts
List...................................................................................................................................................A–11
Table A-7. ODPA C-Band 1:1 Redundancy Switch/Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT/11799) Parts List..A–
18
Table A-8. ODPA X-Band 1:1 Redundancy Switch/Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT/11387-1) Parts List
........................................................................................................................................................A–20
Table A-9. C-Band 1:1 Redundancy Switch/Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT/12201-1) Parts List......A–24
Table A-10. C-Band Offline Unit Termination Bypass Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT-0020523) Parts
List...................................................................................................................................................A–26
Table A-11. Ku-Band 1:1 Redundancy Assembly Kit (Comtech P/N KT/11936-1) Parts List ................A–28
Table A-12. Ku-Band 1:1 Redundancy Switch/Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT/12337-1) Parts List..A–30

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List of Figures
Figure 1-1. Comtech HPOD SSPA ...........................................................................................................1–1
Figure 1-2. HPOD SSPA Dimensional Envelope......................................................................................1–4
Figure 1-3. Comtech HPOD SSPA Block Diagram...................................................................................1–5
Figure 2-1. Coaxial Connector Example...................................................................................................2–1
Figure 2-2. Circular Connector Example...................................................................................................2–2
Figure 2-3. HPOD External Connectors....................................................................................................2–3
Figure 2-4. HPOD Unit..............................................................................................................................2–9
Figure 4-1. HPOD Home | Home page...................................................................................................4–11
Figure 4-2. Admin | Access Page............................................................................................................4–12
Figure 4-3. Admin | SNMP page .............................................................................................................4–14
Figure 4-4. Config | Amplifier page .........................................................................................................4–15
Figure 4-5. Config | Utility page...............................................................................................................4–17
Figure 4-6. Config | Redundancy page...................................................................................................4–18
Figure 4-7. Status | Monitor page............................................................................................................4–19
Figure 4-8. Status | Alarms page ............................................................................................................4–20
Figure 4-9. Status | FETs page...............................................................................................................4–21
Figure A-1. Universal Pole Mounting Kit (CE Comtech FD P/N PL/12319-1) ..........................................A–4
Figure A-2. Unit Mounting Kit (Comtech P/N PL/12300-1).......................................................................A–6
Figure A-3. 1:1 Redundancy System – Unistrut Kit (Comtech P/N KT/12200-1) .....................................A–8
Figure A-4. 1:2 Redundancy System – Unistrut Kit (Comtech P/N KT-0000017) ..................................A–10
Figure A-5. 1:1 or 1:2 Redundancy System – Free Standing Unistrut Kit (Comtech P/N KT-0020827) A–12
Figure A-6. 1:1 Mounting and Switch Kit Example – Exploded Isometric View......................................A–13
Figure A-7. 1:1 Mounting and Switch Kit Example – Assembled Isometric View...................................A–14
Figure A-8. 1:1 Mounting and Switch Kit Example – Assembled Views.................................................A–15
Figure A-9. Ku-Band 1:1 Free Standing Mounting and Switch Kit Example – Assembled Isometric ViewA–
16
Figure A-10. Ku-Band 1:1 Free Standing Mounting and Switch Kit Example – Assembled Views........A–17
Figure A-11. ODPA C-Band 1:1 Redundancy Switch/Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT/11799)...........A–19
Figure A-12. ODPA X-Band 1:1 Redundancy Switch/Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT/11387-1)........A–21
Figure A-13. C-Band 1:1 Redundancy System – Switch and Unistrut Assembly (Comtech P/N KT/12240-
1).....................................................................................................................................................A–22
Figure A-14. C-Band 1:1 Redundancy Switch/Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT/12201-1)...................A–25
Figure A-15. C-Band Offline Unit Termination Bypass Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT-0020523).....A–27
Figure A-16. Ku-Band 1:1 Redundancy Assembly Kit (Comtech P/N KT/11936-1)...............................A–29
Figure A-17. Ku-Band 1:1 Redundancy Switch/Waveguide Kit (Comtech P/N KT/12337-1).................A–31
Figure A-18. C-Band 1:2 Redundancy System – Isometric View...........................................................A–32
Figure A-19. C-Band 1:2 Redundancy System – Assembled Views......................................................A–33
Figure A-20. C-Band 1:2 Free Standing Mounting and Switch Kit Example – Assembled Isometric ViewA–
34
Figure A-21. C-Band 1:2 Free Standing Mounting and Switch Kit Example – Assembled Views..........A–35
Figure A-22. Ku-Band 1:2 Redundancy System – Exploded Isometric View (Front) .............................A–36
Figure A-23. Ku-Band 1:2 Redundancy System – Assembled Isometric Views (Back).........................A–37
Figure A-24. Ku-Band 1:2 Redundancy System – Assembled Views ....................................................A–38
Figure B-1. HPOD C-Band 1:2 Redundancy System Block Diagram.......................................................B–2
Figure B-2. SSPA Web Server Interface – ‘Config | Redundancy’ Page..................................................B–5
Figure C-1. Remove/Replace the HPOD Power Supply.......................................................................... C–2
Figure C-2. Remove the Old HPOD Fan Assembly................................................................................. C–4
Figure C-3. Install the New HPOD Fan Assembly................................................................................... C–5

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Units of Measurement
Unit / Symbol
Definition
Ω
Ohm
A
Ampere
AC
Alternating Current
bps
bits per second
˚C
Celsius (degrees)
DC
Direct Current
Hz
Hertz
kHz
kiloHertz
dB
decibel
dBc
Decibels relative t the carrier
dBm
Decibel-milliwatts
˚F
Fahrenheit (degrees)
Kbps
Kilobit per second
kg
kilogram
ksps
Kilosymbols per second
lbs.
pounds
mA
Milli-amp
Mbps
Megabit per second
MHz
Megahertz
mm
millimeter
ms
millisecond
Msps
Megasymbols per second
mW
milliwatt
in.
inch
Pps
Packets per second
ųF
100 micro-farads
W
Watt
V
Volt

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BLANK PAGE

HPOD C-, X-, Ku-Band High-Power Outdoor Amplifier
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Preface i MN/HPOD.IOM
PREFACE
About this Manual
This manual provides installation and operation information for the Comtech Satellite Network
Technologies, Inc. (Comtech) HPOD family of High-Power Outdoor Amplifiers. This document
is intended for anyone who installs or operates the HPOD C-Band, X-Band, and Ku-Band units.
Disclaimer
Comtech has reviewed this manual thoroughly in order to provide an easy-to-use guide to this
equipment. All statements, technical information, and recommendations in this manual and in any
guides or related documents are believed reliable, but the accuracy and completeness thereof are
not guaranteed or warranted, and they are not intended to be, nor should they be understood to be,
representations or warranties concerning the products described. Further, Comtech reserves the
right to make changes in the specifications of the products described in this manual at any time
without notice and without obligation to notify any person of such changes.
If there are any questions regarding this equipment, or the content and design of this manual,
please contact the Comtech Product Support.
Conventions and References
Patents and Trademarks
See all of Comtech's Patents and Patents Pending at http://patents.comtechefdata.com.
Comtech acknowledges that all trademarks are the property of the trademark owners.

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Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
A WARNING informs you about a possible hazard that MAY CAUSE DEATH
or SERIOUS INJURY.
ACAUTION informs you about a possible hazard that MAY CAUSE INJURY
or PROPERTY DAMAGE.
ANOTE gives you important information about a task or the equipment.
AREFERENCE directs you to additional information about a task or the
equipment.
Examples of Multi-Hazard Notices
Recommended Standard Designations
The new designation of the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) supersedes the
Recommended Standard (RS) designations. References to the old designations may be shown
when depicting actual text (e.g., RS-232). All other references in the manual refer to EIA
designations.

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Preface iii MN/HPOD.IOM
Electrical Safety Notice
CAUTION –Neutral Fusing –Double pole/neutral fusing is used on the prime
power supply input.
This equipment has been designed to minimize exposure of personnel to hazards. For further
information, contact Comtech Customer Support Department. The operators and technicians
must:
Know how to work around, with, and on high voltage equipment.
Exercise every precaution to ensure personnel safety.
Exercise extreme care when working near high voltages.
Be familiar with the warnings presented in this manual.
Installation Guidelines Regarding Power Line Quality
Comtech has become familiar with the varying quality of the AC power grid
around the world. Observing the following installation guidelines should help
ensure a reliable installation.
Grounding: The HPOD provides a grounding terminal to allow you to ground the HPOD to the
antenna’s grounding network. All components installed at the antenna should be grounded to a
common grounding point at the antenna.
Surge suppression: High voltage surges can cause failure of the power supply. The cause of such
surges typically includes circuit switching on the main AC power grid, erratic generator
operation, as well as lightning strikes.
While the HPOD features built-in surge suppression, if installation is to be in a location with
questionable power grid quality, Comtech recommends installation of additional power
conditioning/surge suppression at the power junction box.
Lightning strikes on or around the antenna will generate extremely high voltages on all cables
connected to the HPOD. Depending on the severity of the strike, the HPOD’s internal surge
protection combined with the recommended external suppression may protect the HPOD’s power
supply. However, if installation is in an area with a high probability of lightning strikes, Comtech
additionally recommends the installation of surge suppression on the RF and IF cables. One
source of these suppressors is PolyPhaser (2Hwww.polyphaser.com).
Electrical welding: If welding needs to take place at the antenna, disconnect all cables from the
HPOD except for the ground wire. Cap all RF connections with terminations. This will prevent
damage to the input/output circuitry of the HPOD.

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Product Support
For all product support, please call:
+1.240.243.1880
+1.866.472.3963 (toll free USA)
Comtech Headquarters
http://www.Comtechefdata.com
Comtech Satellite Network Technologies, Inc.
2114 West 7th Street
Tempe, Arizona USA 85281
+1.480.333.2200
Warranty Policy
Comtech products are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a specific
period from the date of shipment, and this period varies by product. In most cases, the warranty
period is two years. During the warranty period, Comtech will, at its option, repair or replace
products that prove to be defective. Repairs are warranted for the remainder of the original
warranty, or a 90-day extended warranty, whichever is longer. Contact Comtech for the warranty
period specific to the product purchased.
For equipment under warranty, the owner is responsible for freight to Comtech and all related
customs, taxes, tariffs, insurance, etc. Comtech is responsible for the freight charges only for
return of the equipment from the factory to the owner. Comtech will return the equipment by the
same method (i.e., Air, Express, Surface) as the equipment was sent to Comtech.
All equipment returned for warranty repair must have a valid RMA number issued prior to return
and be marked clearly on the return packaging. Comtech strongly recommends all equipment be
returned in its original packaging.
Comtech’s obligations under this warranty are limited to repair or replacement of failed parts, and
the return shipment to the buyer of the repaired or replaced parts.
Limitations of Warranty
The warranty does not apply to any part of a product that has been installed, altered, repaired, or
misused in any way that, in the opinion of Comtech, would affect the reliability or detracts from
the performance of any part of the product, or is damaged as the result of use in a way or with
equipment that had not been previously approved by Comtech.
The warranty does not apply to any product or parts thereof where the serial number or the serial
number of any of its parts has been altered, defaced, or removed.

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The warranty does not cover damage or loss incurred in transportation of the product. The
warranty does not cover replacement or repair necessitated by loss or damage from any cause
beyond the control of Comtech, such as lightning or other natural and weather-related events or
wartime environments.
The warranty does not cover any labor involved in the removal and or reinstallation of warranted
equipment or parts on site, or any labor required to diagnose the necessity for repair or
replacement.
The warranty excludes any responsibility by Comtech for incidental or consequential damages
arising from the use of the equipment or products, or for any inability to use them either separate
from or in combination with any other equipment or products.
A fixed charge established for each product will be imposed for all equipment returned for
warranty repair where Comtech cannot identify the cause of the reported failure.
Exclusive Remedies
Comtech’s warranty, as stated is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed, implied, or statutory,
including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The buyer shall pass on to
any purchaser, lessee, or other user of Comtech’s products, the aforementioned warranty, and
shall indemnify and hold harmless Comtech from any claims or liability of such purchaser, lessee,
or user based upon allegations that the buyer, its agents, or employees have made additional
warranties or representations as to product preference or use.
The remedies provided herein are the buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. Comtech shall not be
liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages, whether based on
contract, tort, or any other legal theory.

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Notes:

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Introduction 1–1 MN/HPOD.IOM
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
Figure 1-1. Comtech HPOD SSPA
Comtech’s High-Power Outdoor (HPOD) Solid-State Power Amplifier (SSPA) (Figure 1-1)
delivers its rated power, guaranteed, at the 1 dB compression point, to the transmit waveguide
flange. It provides a cost effective, more reliable replacement for Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers
(TWTA) in satellite communications.

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1.2 Features
The HPOD SSPA base unit provides features that are typically offered as options elsewhere. Its
features include temperature compensation, sample ports, power monitor, field-replaceable power
factor-corrected power supply, and full remote monitor and control capabilities. Higher power is
available through the use of Comtech 1:1 and 1:2 phase combining kits.
1.2.1 Solid-State Advantage
Each HPOD is constructed with highly reliable gallium arsenide (GaAs) FETs. With third order
intermodulation products from 4 dB to 6 dB better than TWTA ratings, the HPOD replaces
TWTAs with saturated power levels of up to twice the HPOD’s rated output. The HPODs also
provide a mean time between failures (MTBF) that is 4 to 5 times greater than the typical
TWTA MTBF.
1.2.2 Field-Replaceable Power Supply
Recognizing that the MTBF limiting factor for almost all electronic equipment is the power
supply, the HPOD provides for easy field replacement. Simply disconnect the AC mains,
release the captive fasteners, and remove the supply from the SSPA module.
1.2.3 Built-in Redundancy Controller
Each HPOD has the ability to function as a 1+1 (one backup for one primary) and 1+2 (one
backup for two primaries) redundancy controller in the backup mode. The optional redundancy
configuration is implemented by attaching a ganged waveguide/coax transfer switch(es) to the
input and output connectors of the amplifiers with a combination coaxial cable and waveguide
kit. When the backup SSPA is commanded into the controller mode, it monitors the online
SSPA(s) for faults. A faulted online unit may be disconnected and replaced without affecting
the online power amplifier.
1.2.4 Phase Combining
Comtech’s phase-combined systems allow the outputs of two amplifiers to be summed
together. A “normal” 1:1 system using 300W amplifiers provides 300W of output power (the
offline unit’s capabilities are unusable). The same amplifiers in a 1:1 phase-combined system
provide 600W of output power in normal operation, and a “soft failure” state of 300W. If no
degradation on failure can be accommodated, a third amplifier can be added to form a 1:2
phase-combined system.
1.2.5 Optional “Smart BUC” Functionality
Comtech’s unique approach to L-Band/RF frequency conversions eliminates DC and 10 MHz
from the input coax. This simplifies redundancy and multi-carrier operation. It offers full 13.75
GHz to 14.5 GHz Ku-Band coverage and supports industry standard FSK modem/BUC
communications. The optional BUC can lock to an external or internal reference oscillator.

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1.2.6 Over Drive (Excessive RF Ouput Level) and OPS
The unit’s specified linear rated output power level, Plinear, can be found in the unit
datasheet. Although the unit may be capable, operating beyond its Plinear level is
discouraged. As the input drive level is increased, excessive distortion of the output sets in
which will result in degraded throughput and possible adjacent carrier interference.
Although the best protection against potentially degrading overdrive conditions is user
attention and vigilance to the input and output levels as mentioned above, Comtech has
implemented an overdrive protection software option1or “OPS”, which will help protect the
unit from damage and warn the user of gross overdrive conditions. However, it will be noted
that the OPS feature is only an aid in preventing and notifying the operator of overdriven
conditions, it does not guarantee protection of hardware or continuous unit operation in the
“usable power” region in extreme or persistent overdriven conditions.
The overdrive protection setting is on the amplifier webpage and the information is displayed
on the Status webpage. The settings are also available via serial commands (RS232/RS485).
With the overdrive protection mode activated, the operator can set a predetermined activation
level (P1dB rated to P1dB – 10) which will trigger the OPS to set either an Alarm or Fault if
the forward power is greater than the activation level. A Fault or Alarm will be determined by
the overdrive protection mask setting. If the mask setting is Fault, then the OPS will mute the
amplifier and set a summary fault. If the mask setting is Mask, then the OPS will set status to
ALARM and will log the event.
The overdrive protection mode has 4 states: N/A, OK, ALARM, FAULT.
When the overdrive protection mode is not selected (off), “N/A” is displayed in the
status.
When the overdrive protection mode is on and the forward power has not exceeded the
activation level, “OK” is displayed in the status.
When the overdrive protection mode is on and the forward power has exceeded the
activation level, “FAULT” or “ALARM is displayed in the status.
It will also be noted when the overdrive protection mode is in “FAULT” state, that the OPS
will not change the “FAULT” state if the mute is enabled, or the amplifier is off. The OPS is
assuming the operator will correct the overdrive condition by lowering the input power level
and then will disable the mute.
Notes:
1) Overdrive protection is only available in Firmware version 1.2.1 or newer.
1.3 Functional Description
Each HPOD consists of a Comtech SSPA module witha field replaceable power supply, a field
replaceable fan assembly, and the Monitor/Control Processor (MCP). The amplifier features a
Comtech low loss combining technique and MCP based temperature versus gain compensation.

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1.3.1 Dimensional Envelope
Figure 1-2. HPOD SSPA Dimensional Envelope