Comtech EF Data KPA-040 Owner's manual

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.
Part Number MN/KPA.IOM Revision 1
KPA
Ku-Band Indoor Solid-State Power Amplifier Series
Installation and Operation Manual
Part Number MN/KPA.IOM
Revision 1
October 29, 2010

Copyright © Comtech EF Data, 2010. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
Comtech EF Data, 2114 West 7th Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281 USA,480.333.2200, FAX: [phone]

ER-KPA-EA1 THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT SUBJECT TO REVISION/UPDATE! PLM CO C-0027379 Page 1 of 2
Errata A
Comtech EF Data Documentation Update
Subject:AddTPEandTPSCommands/QueriestoAppendixC.REMOTECONTROL
Sect.C.6.1RemoteCommandsandQueries(FWVersion2.X.XandHigher)
OriginalManualPart
Number/Rev:MN/KPA.IOMRev1
ErrataNumber/
PLMDocumentID:ER‐KPA‐EA1
PLMCONumber:C‐0027379
Comments:Theupdatedinformationwillbeincorporatedintothenextformalrevision
ofthemanual:
AddTPEandTPSCommands/QueriestoAppendC.REMOTECONTROL
Sect.C.6.1RemoteCommandsandQueries(FWVersion2.X.Xand
Higher),pageC‐16:

ErrataAforMN/KPA.IOMRev1AddTPEandTPSCommands/QueriestoAppendixC
ER-KPA-EA1 THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT SUBJECT TO REVISION/UPDATE! PLM CO C-0027379 Page 2of 2
Thispageisintentionallyblank.

iii
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..............................................................................................................III
TABLES..................................................................................................................................... VII
FIGURES................................................................................................................................... VII
PREFACE................................................................................................................................... IX
About this Manual .....................................................................................................................................ix
Disclaimer................................................................................................................................................ix
Reporting Comments or Suggestions Concerning this Manual...............................................................ix
Military Standards.....................................................................................................................................ix
Conventions and References......................................................................................................................x
Metric Conversion....................................................................................................................................x
Recommended Standard Designations.....................................................................................................x
Trademarks...............................................................................................................................................x
Cautions and Warnings..............................................................................................................................x
Electrical Safety and Compliance.............................................................................................................xi
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Compliance...............................................................................xi
European Low Voltage Directive (LVD) .................................................................................................xi
Warranty Policy........................................................................................................................................xii
Limitations of Warranty .........................................................................................................................xii
Exclusive Remedies...............................................................................................................................xiii
Customer Support....................................................................................................................................xiv
Online Customer Support......................................................................................................................xiv
CHAPTER 1.INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................1–1
1.1Overview.....................................................................................................................................1–1
1.2Functional Description ..............................................................................................................1–2
1.3KPA Specifications.....................................................................................................................1–5
1.3.1KPA-020IN Specifications......................................................................................................1–5
1.3.2KPA-040 Specifications..........................................................................................................1–6
1.3.3KPA-080 Specifications................................................................................................1–7

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1.3.4KPA-100 Specifications................................................................................................1–8
1.3.5Dimensional Envelopes................................................................................................1–9
CHAPTER 2.INSTALLATION ............................................................................................2–1
2.1Unpacking and Inspection.........................................................................................................2–1
2.2Rack Mounting the KPA...........................................................................................................2–2
2.2.1Installation of the Optional Rack Slides...................................................................2–2
CHAPTER 3.CONNECTORS AND PINOUTS ...................................................................3–1
3.1Connector Overview..................................................................................................................3–1
3.2RF Connections..........................................................................................................................3–3
3.2.1J1 RF IN / Tx IN Connectors...................................................................................................3–3
3.2.2J2 RF OUT Connector.............................................................................................................3–3
3.3Utility Connections ....................................................................................................................3–4
3.3.1Sample Port Connectors (Front Panel)....................................................................................3–4
3.3.2J4 REDUNDANT LOOP Connector.......................................................................................3–4
3.3.3J5 DISCRETE CONTROL Connector....................................................................................3–5
3.3.4J8 10/100 ETHERNET Connector..........................................................................................3–6
3.3.5J9A EXT REF IN / J9B EXT REF OUT Connectors..............................................................3–6
3.3.6J7 RF SWITCH Connector......................................................................................................3–7
3.3.7J6 COM 1 Connector...............................................................................................................3–7
3.4Power / Ground Connections....................................................................................................3–8
3.4.1Alternating Current Prime Power Switch and Connector........................................................3–8
3.4.2Chassis Ground Connector......................................................................................................3–8
CHAPTER 4.FLASH UPGRADING....................................................................................4–1
4.1Flash Upgrading via Internet....................................................................................................4–1
4.2Ethernet FTP Upload Procedure..............................................................................................4–2
CHAPTER 5.FRONT PANEL OPERATION.......................................................................5–1
5.1Introduction................................................................................................................................5–1
5.1.1Startup Checklist .....................................................................................................................5–2
5.1.2LED Indicators ........................................................................................................................5–2
5.1.3Keypad.....................................................................................................................................5–3
5.1.4Front Panel Display.................................................................................................................5–4
5.2Opening Screen..........................................................................................................................5–4
5.3SELECT: (Main) Menu.............................................................................................................5–5
5.3.1SELECT: Config (Configuration)...........................................................................................5–6

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5.3.1.1CONFIG: Remote (Remote Control)..............................................................................5–6
5.3.1.2CONFIG: Amp .............................................................................................................5–10
5.3.1.3CONFIG: FltRec (Fault Recovery) Menu Branches.....................................................5–11
5.3.1.4CONFIG: Redundancy Menu Branches .......................................................................5–11
5.3.1.5CONFIG: ExtRef (External Reference)........................................................................5–13
5.3.2SELECT: Monitor.................................................................................................................5–13
5.3.2.1MONITOR: Faults........................................................................................................5–14
5.3.2.2MONITOR: Stored.......................................................................................................5–14
5.3.2.3MONITOR: Power .......................................................................................................5–15
5.3.2.4MONITOR: Vltgs.........................................................................................................5–15
5.3.2.5MONITOR: PS (Power Supply)...................................................................................5–15
5.3.2.6MONITOR: Temp ........................................................................................................5–15
5.3.2.7MONITOR: FETs.........................................................................................................5–15
5.3.3SELECT: Utility....................................................................................................................5–15
5.3.3.1UTILITY: Date/Time ...................................................................................................5–16
5.3.3.2UTILITY: CID (Circuit ID)..........................................................................................5–16
5.3.3.3UTILITY: PowerMon...................................................................................................5–16
5.3.3.4UTILITY: Firmware.....................................................................................................5–17
5.3.3.5UTILITY: RefOsc.........................................................................................................5–17
5.3.4SELECT: Front Panel............................................................................................................5–18
5.3.4.1Front Panel: Brightness.................................................................................................5–18
5.3.4.2Front Panel: Lamp Test.................................................................................................5–18
CHAPTER 6.KPA ETHERNET MANAGEMENT ...............................................................6–1
6.1Overview.....................................................................................................................................6–1
6.2Ethernet Management Interface Protocols..............................................................................6–1
6.3SNMP Interface..........................................................................................................................6–1
6.3.1Management Information Base (MIB) Files............................................................................6–2
6.3.2SNMP Community Strings......................................................................................................6–2
6.4Telnet Interface..........................................................................................................................6–3
6.5Web Server (HTTP) Interface..................................................................................................6–4
6.5.1Web Server page Introduction.................................................................................................6–4
6.5.2Web Server Interface Access...................................................................................................6–4
6.5.3Web Server Menu Tree............................................................................................................6–5
6.5.4Web Server page Descriptions ................................................................................................6–5
6.5.4.1Home pages.....................................................................................................................6–6
6.5.4.1.1Home (Splash) page..................................................................................................6–6
6.5.4.1.2Home | Support page.................................................................................................6–7
6.5.4.2Admin pages...................................................................................................................6–8
6.5.4.2.1Admin | Access page.................................................................................................6–8
6.5.4.2.2Admin | SNMP page...............................................................................................6–10
6.5.4.3Config (Configuration) pages.......................................................................................6–11
6.5.4.3.1Config | Amplifier page..........................................................................................6–11
6.5.4.3.2Config | Utility page ...............................................................................................6–13
6.5.4.3.3Config | Redundancy page......................................................................................6–14

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6.5.4.4Status pages...................................................................................................................6–16
6.5.4.4.1Status | Events page................................................................................................6–16
6.5.4.4.2Status | Status page .................................................................................................6–17
6.5.4.4.3Status | FETs page ..................................................................................................6–18
APPENDIX A.MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING ...........................................A–1
A.1Introduction...............................................................................................................................A–1
A.2Maintenance Testing.................................................................................................................A–2
A.2.1Test Point Samples.............................................................................................................A–2
A.3Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................A–2
A.3.1Troubleshooting Guide.......................................................................................................A–3
APPENDIX B.KPA REDUNDANT OPERATIONS ............................................................B–1
B.1Introduction............................................................................................................................... B–1
B.2Redundancy Operation ............................................................................................................ B–2
B.3Redundancy Kit Installation.................................................................................................... B–2
B.3.1Redundancy Kit Control Cabling.......................................................................................B–4
B.4Gain Equalization of Redundant Units................................................................................... B–8
B.4.1Case Examples................................................................................................................... B–9
APPENDIX C.REMOTE CONTROL..................................................................................C–1
C.1Overview....................................................................................................................................C–1
C.2EIA-485......................................................................................................................................C–1
C.3EIA-232......................................................................................................................................C–2
C.4Basic Protocol............................................................................................................................C–2
C.5Packet Structure .......................................................................................................................C–3
C.5.1Start of Packet.................................................................................................................... C–3
C.5.2Target Address................................................................................................................... C–4
C.5.3Address Delimiter .............................................................................................................. C–4
C.5.4Instruction Code................................................................................................................. C–4
C.5.5Instruction Code Qualifier.................................................................................................. C–4
C.5.5.1Backward Compatibility Code Qualifier ....................................................................... C–5
C.5.6Optional Message Arguments............................................................................................ C–5
C.5.7End of Packet ..................................................................................................................... C–6
C.6Remote Control Using FW Version 2.X.X and Higher (CURRENT)..................................C–7
C.6.1Remote Commands and Queries (FW Version 2.X.X and Higher)...................................C–8

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C.7Remote Control Using Firmware Version 1.X.X (OLD).....................................................C–17
C.7.1Old Utility Commands..................................................................................................... C–18
C.7.2Old Configuration Commands......................................................................................... C–20
C.7.3Old Operating Mode Commands ..................................................................................... C–21
C.7.4Old Status Commands...................................................................................................... C–22
C.7.5Old Stored Alarms............................................................................................................ C–28
C.7.6Error Processing............................................................................................................... C–29
C.7.7Configuration Errors ........................................................................................................ C–29
C.7.8Time-Outs ........................................................................................................................ C–29
Tables
Table 3-1. KPA Interface Connectors Summary ......................................................................................3–2
Table 3-2. J4 Redundancy Loop Connector Pinout.................................................................................3–4
Table 3-3. J5 DISCRETE CONTROL Connector Pinout (Standalone or 1:1 Redundant Systems) .......3–5
Table 3-4. J5 DISCRETE CONTROL Connector Pinout (1:2 Redundant Systems) ..............................3–6
Table 3-5. J7 RF SWITCH Connector Pinout .........................................................................................3–7
Table 3-6. J6 COM 1 Connector Pinout (EIA-232/EIA-485 Interface)...................................................3–7
Table B-1. KPA Redundancy Kits – Parts List........................................................................................ B–6
Figures
Figure 1-1. Comtech EF Data KPA Family of Ku-Band Solid-State Amplifiers..........................................1–1
Figure 1-2. KPA-020IN/-040 Block Diagram ..........................................................................................1–3
Figure 1-3. KPA-080/-100 Block Diagram...............................................................................................1–4
Figure 1-4. KPA-020IN Dimensional Envelope (Shown with Optional Slide Railings Installed)...........1–9
Figure 1-5. KPA-040/-080/-100 Dimensional Envelope (Shown with Optional Slide Railings Installed)1–10
Figure 2-1. Installation of Optional Heavy-Duty Rack Slides (CEFD P/N FP/SL00004)........................2–3
Figure 3-1. KPA Rear Panel Views..........................................................................................................3–1
Figure 4-1. Flash Upgrade via Internet.....................................................................................................4–1
Figure 5-1. KPA-XXX Front Panel View.................................................................................................5–1
Figure 5-2. KPA Front Panel Keypad.......................................................................................................5–3
Figure 5-3. KPA Front Panel Keypad.......................................................................................................5–4
Figure 5-4. KPA Principle Menu Tree......................................................................................................5–5
Figure 6-1. KPA Home (Splash) page......................................................................................................6–6
Figure 6-2. KPA Home | Support page.....................................................................................................6–7
Figure 6-3. Admin | Access page..............................................................................................................6–8
Figure 6-4. Admin | SNMP page ............................................................................................................6–10
Figure 6-5. Config | Amplifier page........................................................................................................6–11
Figure 6-6. Config | Utility page.............................................................................................................6–13
Figure 6-7. Config | Redundancy page ...................................................................................................6–14
Figure 6-8. Status | Events page..............................................................................................................6–16
Figure 6-9. Status | Status page...............................................................................................................6–17
Figure 6-10. Status | FETs page..............................................................................................................6–18
Figure B-1. 1:1 Redundancy Block Diagram........................................................................................... B–2
Figure B-2. 1:1 Redundancy Installation – Complete.............................................................................. B–3
Figure B-3. KPA Redundancy System – Control Cabling Schematics ................................................... B–4
Figure B-4. 1:1 Redundancy Kit Assembly............................................................................................. B–7

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ix
PREFACE
About this Manual
This manual provides installation and operation information for the Comtech EF Data family of
Ku-Band Indoor Solid-State Power Amplifiers (ISSPAs) – the KPA-020IN, KPA-040, KPA-080, and
KPA-100. This is a technical document intended for earth station engineers, technicians, and operators
responsible for the operation and maintenance of the KPAs.
Revision 1 of this manual represents a complete rewrite in which all content has been updated in its
entirety and re-ordered to conform to current Comtech EF Data Technical Publications standards
and practices.
Disclaimer
Comtech EF Data has reviewed this manual thoroughly in order that it will be an easy-to-use
guide to your 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 EF Data 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 you have any questions regarding your equipment or the information in this manual, please
contact Comtech EF Data’s Customer Support Department during normal business hours.
Reporting Comments or Suggestions Concerning this Manual
Comments and suggestions regarding the content and design of this manual are appreciated. To
submit comments, please contact the Comtech EF Data Technical Publications department:
[email protected]
Military Standards
References to “MIL-STD-188” apply to the 114A series (i.e., MIL-STD-188-114A), which
provides electrical and functional characteristics of the unbalanced and balanced voltage digital
interface circuits applicable to both long haul and tactical communications. Specifically, these

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references apply to the MIL-STD-188-114A electrical characteristics for a balanced voltage
digital interface circuit, Type 1 generator, for the full range of data rates. For more information,
refer to the Department of Defense (DOD) MIL-STD-188-114A, “Electrical Characteristics of
Digital Interface Circuits.”
Conventions and References
Metric Conversion
Metric conversion information is located on the inside back cover of this manual. This information
is provided to assist the operator in cross-referencing non-Metric to Metric conversions.
Recommended Standard Designations
The Recommended Standard (RS) designation has been superseded by the new designation of the
Electronic Industries Association (EIA). References to the old designation may be shown only
when depicting actual text displayed on the screen of the unit (RS-232, RS-485, etc.). All other
references in the manual will be shown with the EIA designation.
Trademarks
Windows is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation. Other product names mentioned in this
manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby
acknowledged.
Cautions and Warnings
IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT or NOTE indicates a statement that is associated with the task being
performed or information critical for proper equipment function.
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. CAUTION may also be used to indicate other unsafe practices or
risks of property damage.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
IMPORTANT
The User should carefully review the information that follows.

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Electrical Safety and Compliance
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Compliance
IMPORTANT
Properly shielded cables for DATA I/O are required in order to meet the European
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive (EN55022, EN50082-1). More specifically,
these cables must be shielded from end-to-end, ensuring a continuous ground shield.
In accordance with European Directive 2004/108/EEC, the KPA family of products has been
shown, by independent testing, to comply with the following standards:
Emissions: EN 55022 Class B – Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio
Interference Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment.
(Also tested to FCC Part 15 Class B.)
Immunity: EN 55024 – Information Technology Equipment: Immunity Characteristics,
Limits, and Methods of Measurement.
European Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
The following information is applicable for the European Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC):
Symbol Description
<HAR> Type of power cord required for use in the European Community.
!
CAUTION: Double-pole/Neutral Fusing
ACHTUNG: Zweipolige bzw. Neutralleiter-Sicherung
WARNING
This product contains a Lithium Battery. DANGER OF EXPLOSION EXISTS if the
battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries in accordance with
local and national regulations
CAUTION
This equipment has been designed to minimize exposure of personnel to hazards. The
operators and technicians must:
•Know how to work around, with, and on high voltage and high RF power level
equipment.
•Exercise every precaution to ensure personnel safety.
•Exercise extreme care when working near high voltages/high RF power level
equipment.
•Be familiar with the warnings presented in this manual.
•Disconnect the power supply cord before servicing the ISSPA.

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International Symbols
Symbol Definition Symbol Definition
Alternating Current Protective Earth
Fuse Chassis Ground
IMPORTANT
For additional symbols, refer to Cautions and Warnings listed earlier in this
Preface.
Warranty Policy
Comtech EF Data 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 EF Data 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 EF Data for the
warranty period specific to the product purchased.
For equipment under warranty, the owner is responsible for freight to Comtech EF Data and all
related customs, taxes, tariffs, insurance, etc. Comtech EF Data is responsible for the freight charges
only for return of the equipment from the factory to the owner. Comtech EF Data will return the
equipment by the same method (i.e., Air, Express, Surface) as the equipment was sent to Comtech
EF Data.
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 EF Data strongly recommends all
equipment be returned in its original packaging.
Comtech EF Data Corporation’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 EF Data Corporation, 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 EF Data
Corporation.
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.
The warranty does not cover damage or loss incurred in transportation of the product.

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The warranty does not cover replacement or repair necessitated by loss or damage from any cause
beyond the control of Comtech EF Data Corporation, 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 EF Data Corporation 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 EF Data Corporation cannot identify the cause of the reported failure.
Exclusive Remedies
Comtech EF Data Corporation’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 EF Data Corporation’s
products, the aforementioned warranty, and shall indemnify and hold harmless Comtech EF Data
Corporation 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 EF Data 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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Customer Support
Contact the Comtech EF Data Customer Support Department for:
•Product support or training
•Reporting comments or suggestions concerning manuals
•Information on upgrading or returning a product
A Customer Support representative may be reached during normal business hours at:
Comtech EF Data
Attention: Customer Support Department
2114 West 7th Street
Tempe, Arizona 85281 USA
480.333.2200 (Main Comtech EF Data number)
480.333.4357 (Customer Support Desk)
480.333.2161 FAX
To return a Comtech EF Data product (in-warranty and out-of-warranty) for repair or
replacement:
•Contact the Comtech EF Data Customer Support Department during normal business
hours. Be prepared to supply the Customer Support representative with the model number,
serial number, and a description of the problem.
•Request a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number from the Comtech EF Data
Customer Support representative.
•Pack the product in its original shipping carton/packaging to ensure that the product is
not damaged during shipping.
•Ship the product back to Comtech EF Data. (Shipping charges should be prepaid.)
Online Customer Support
An RMA number can be requested electronically by accessing Comtech EF Data’s online
Support page (www.comtechefdata.com/support.asp). From this page:
•Click the Service hyperlink, then read the Return Material Authorization section for
detailed instructions on Comtech EF Data’s return procedures.
•Click [Send RMA Request] on the Support page or the RMA Request hyperlink provided
in the Service | Return Material Authorization section; fill out the Billing Information,
Return Information, and Unit to be Returned sections completely, then click [Send email]
– or –
•Send an e-mail providing this same detailed information to the Customer Support
Department at [email protected].
Refer to p. xii in this Preface for information regarding this product’s Warranty Policy.

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Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
The Comtech EF Data Ku-Band Solid-State Power Amplifier (KPA) family of products, shown
in Figure 1-1, is a line of Indoor Solid-State Power Amplifiers (ISSPAs) designed for use in
communication systems or satellite uplink data systems. The KPA operates over the RF input
frequency range of 14.0 to 14.5 GHz and provides a cost effective and more reliable replacement
for Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) amplifiers in Ku-Band terminals.
Due to its small form factor, it is also ideal for the construction of small “flyaway” terminals,
medium size (equivalent to Intelsat F) earth stations, hub earth stations for small to medium size
private networks, or point-to-point links.
Figure 1-1. Comtech EF Data KPA Family of Ku-Band Solid-State Amplifiers

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1.2 Functional Description
Each KPA ISSPA is constructed with highly reliable Gallium Arsenide Field Effect Transistors
(GaAs FETs). With Third-Order Intermodulation products from 4 to 6 dB better than TWT
ratings, the Comtech EF Data unit replaces TWTs with saturated power levels of up to twice the
KPA’s rated output. These KPAs also provide a Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) that is 4 to
5 times greater than the typical TWT MTBFs.
The KPA is designed to be rack-mounted in a standard 19-inch (48 cm) rack or cabinet by hard-
mounting the unit to the rack’s front mounting rails using the front panel mounting holes;
optionally, rack slides may be installed onto the chassis that allow servicing of the unit without its
removal from the rack. Handles at the front of the unit facilitate easy installation into and removal
from the rack.
All user controls, indicators, and displays for local and remote operation – as well as the RF Input
and Output sample test ports – are located on the front panel of the unit. User external interface
connectors are located on the chassis rear panel.
Two internally mounted exhaust fans provide cooling – cool air is taken in through the front panel
and exhausted out the rear panel.
An AC power connector and On/Off switch are located on the chassis rear panel. A six-foot AC
power cord is supplied with the unit.
On the pages that follow, Figure 1-2 and Figure 1-3 depict the block diagrams for the available
KPAs. Each KPA chassis consists of a power supply, fan assembly, front panel assembly,
monitor/control processor (MCP), and a Comtech EF Data SSPA module. The KPA is designed
using a Comtech EF Data low loss combining technique and an MCP based temperature versus
gain compensation.
The front panel features:
•A Vacuum Fluorescent Display for user-friendly visual status update (Liquid Crystal
Diode display for KPA-020IN and older KPA-040/-080/-100 units)
•The six-button cursor array is used to set or change operating parameters
•Six Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) provide quick reference to binary status points
•Input and output sample ports at –20 dBc and–40 dBc provide easy test point access
Each unit has the ability to function as a 1:1 or 1:2 redundancy controller in the backup mode.
The optional redundancy configuration is implemented by attaching a ganged waveguide/coax
transfer switch(es) to input and output connectors of the amplifiers with a combination coaxial
cable and waveguide kit. When the backup KPA is commanded into the controller mode, it
monitors the online KPAs for faults. A faulted online unit may be disconnected and replaced
without affecting the online power amplifier. For detailed information about using the KPA in 1:1
or 1:2 redundancy, see Appendix B. KPA REDUNDANT OPERATIONS.

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Figure 1-2. KPA-020IN/-040 Block Diagram

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Figure 1-3. KPA-080/-100 Block Diagram