Mini-circuits Hpa-272+ User manual

HPA-272+

Rack Mounted High-Power Amplifier (100W)

700 to 2700 MHz

User’s Manual

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

Important Notice

This guide is owned by Mini-Circuits and is protected by copyright, trademark and other intellectual

property laws.

The information in this guide is provided by Mini-Circuits as an accommodation to our customers and may

be used only to promote and accompany the purchase of Mini-Circuits’ Parts. This guide may not be

reproduced, modified, distributed, published, stored in an electronic database, or transmitted and the

information contained herein may not be exploited in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical

recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from Mini-Circuits.

This guide is subject to change, qualifications, variations, adjustments or modifications without notice and

may contain errors, omissions, inaccuracies, mistakes or deficiencies. Mini-Circuits assumes no

responsibility for, and will have no liability on account of, any of the foregoing. Accordingly, this guide

should be used as a guideline only.

Trademarks

All trademarks cited within this guide are the property of their respective owners. Neither Mini-Circuits nor

the Mini-Circuits HPA-272+ are affiliated with or endorsed or sponsored by the owners of those

trademarks.

Mini-Circuits and the Mini-Circuits logo are registered trademarks of Scientific Components Corporation.

Mini-Circuits

13 Neptune Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11235

Phone: 1-718-934-4500

Email: sales@minicircuits.com

Web: www.minicircuits.com

Version 3/23/16

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

CONTENTS

1INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 4

2WARNINGS........................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Safety Hazards............................................................................................................... 5

2.2 Additional Precautions.................................................................................................... 6

3PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION.................................................................................................... 7

4FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION............................................................................................... 8

5POWER SPECIFICATIONS AND MAXIMUM RATINGS........................................................ 9

5.1 DC Power Specifications ................................................................................................ 9

5.2 Maximum Ratings........................................................................................................... 9

6UNPACKING ........................................................................................................................10

6.1 Unpacking .....................................................................................................................10

6.2 Package Contents .........................................................................................................10

7LAYOUT AND INSTALLATION.............................................................................................11

7.1 Rack Mounting ..............................................................................................................11

7.2 Rear Panel Grounding Terminal ....................................................................................11

8OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................................................12

8.1 Connecting the Amplifier ...............................................................................................12

8.2 Temperature and Fan Monitoring ..................................................................................12

8.2.1 Front Panel LED Indicators .................................................................................12

8.2.2 Status Monitoring Via the 9-Pin D-Sub Connector ...............................................13

9COMPANION PRODUCTS AND APPLICATION CIRCUITS ................................................14

9.1 High Power, Multi-Channel Burn-In System...................................................................14

9.2 Output Power Monitoring ...............................................................................................15

9.3 Output Power Monitoring with Gain Control ...................................................................16

9.4 High Reliability Test Cables...........................................................................................17

9.5 HandFlex®Interconnect Cables .....................................................................................17

RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION (RMA) .......................................................................18

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

1 INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing Mini-Circuits’ HPA-272+ high power amplifier to meet your needs! The

purpose of the this user’s manual is to instruct you on basic installation and setup of your

equipment, to advise you on general precautions to be taken when installing and handling the

amplifier unit, and to provide basic information on the proper use of this equipment.

We’re here to support you every step of the way. For technical support and assistance, please

find the following points of contact for your convenience:

Chi Man Shum

Phone: +1 201 647-1615

Email: chiman@minicircuits.com

chimanshum@gmail.com

Lee Whiting

+44 1252 832 620

Email: [email protected]

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

2 WARNINGS

Mini-Circuits’ HPA-272+ is designed with multiple levels of protection to prevent injury to the

user and damage to the amplifier during operation. However, Mini-Circuits strongly

recommends that you observe standard operating precautions for high-power RF amplifiers to

reduce the risk of injury and damage to the amplifier and connected components.

2.1 Safety Hazards

Electrical Danger

This equipment contains live 85-265V contacts and should be

used and handled only by qualified professionals. When

performing any activity in and around the HPA-272+ case,

please exercise extreme caution to avoid touching any parts

where live voltage may be present to prevent injury or death

due to electrical shock.

Heavy Object

The equipment case for your HPA-272+ unit is heavy. When

handling, use caution to prevent damage to the equipment

and injury. Always follow safe lifting protocols and use any

necessary lifting aids to prevent muscle strain or back injury.

The unit must be supported in a rack structure by securely

fastened side rails or shelving.

High Speed Fan

Blade

The HPA-272+ contains cooling fans with rotating blades

that can cause serious injury or cut. Remove any loose

articles before working inside the HPA-272+ chassis to

avoid getting caught in moving machinery.

30 lbs. (13.61 Kg)

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

2.2 Additional Precautions

Maximum Input Power

The HPA-272+ has a maximum RF input power rating of

+7dBm. Exceeding this maximum will likely cause permanent damage to the amplifier.

Power Supply:

Do not apply RF input signal to the HPA-272+ while the AC mains supply

is disconnected or the amplifier is powered off from the front panel switch. Use only the supplied

AC mains power supply lead for connection to a properly grounded 85-265V mains power

socket.

Air Flow:

The equipment chassis must be mounted by the customer to maintain a

minimum of 1U (1.75”) free air space above and below the top and bottom panels with

unobstructed access to room ambient airflow for proper operation.

Electrostatic Discharge:

Any person operating this unit must have Electrostatic Discharge

(ESD) protection to prevent damage to any components.

Opening & Tampering:

This equipment is designed to be serviced only by professional

electrical technicians. Case openings by any person other than qualified personnel authorized by

Mini-Circuits or the customer will void any and all terms of the Limited Warranty.1

1Although top and bottom panels are intended to allow accessibility, it is important to use caution when connecting or

disconnecting any electrical or RF connection, or when moving, removing, or replacing any wires, cables, connections, or

components within the chassis to avoid potentially damaging or dislodging any other cables or connections.

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

3 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Mini-Circuits’ HPA-272+ high power amplifier comes housed in an aluminum alloy chassis

measuring 19” wide x 5.20” (3U) high x 20” deep (482 x 132 x 508mm). The front panel is fitted

with an AC power on/off switch, N-Type connectors at the RF input and output ports, a standard

9-pin D-sub socket (see

section 8.2.2

Status Monitoring Via the 9-Pin D-Sub Connector), and 3

LED lights indicating AC power connection (green), temperature alarm (red), and fan

malfunction alarm (red). The front panel of the unit is also equipped with two handles and

marking with the name, model number, frequency range, and saturated output power of unit.

Slotted holes on the outer left and right extensions of the front panel allow secure mounting to a

standard 19” (483mm) rack support structure.

Figure 1: Front panel of HPA-272+ equipment chassis

On the rear panel of the unit is the input for a standard 85-265V AC power supply with caution

label (right side). At the right of the rear panel is a clearly marked grounding terminal. It is

recommended that this terminal be connected to a Common Bonding Network (CBN). On the

left side of the rear panel is an identification sticker containing the model name and serial

number. Two cooling fans are mounted to the center of the panel.

Figure 2: Rear panel of HPA-272+ equipment chassis

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

4 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

Mini-Circuits’ HPA-272+ is a high-power rack-mountable RF amplifier capable of delivering

output power up to 100W across the 700 to 2700 MHz frequency range. The amplifier provides

48 dB gain with ±1.7 dB gain flatness, +55 dBm OIP3 and 89 dB reverse isolation. It operates

on a self-contained 85 – 265V AC line power supply. This model features internal cooling and

self-protection against over-temperature, and is immune to open and short loads while

delivering full power from the output port.

The unit features LED indicators on the front panel which illuminate to alert the user when AC

power is connected, when the unit temperature exceeds the maximum rating, and when the

cooling fans are not functioning properly. The 9-Pin D-Sub socket allows remote monitoring of

these conditions in layouts where the front panel is not clearly visible to the operator.

The HPA-272+ is an ideal solution for test applications requiring high power over a wide

frequency range such as EMI and antenna testing, RF power stress testing, reliability testing

and more. It is also highly useful for production test applications in which it is desirable to test

many DUTs in parallel such as HTOL. The amplifier can be paired with high power splitters to

distribute a test signal through up to 80 channels.See

section 9

for more information about

applications of this equipment.

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

5 POWER SPECIFICATIONS AND MAXIMUM RATINGS

5.1 AC Power Specifications

Parameter

Specification

Supply Voltage:

~Line

85-265V : 47-63 Hz

Power Consumption

531W (typ.)

5.2 Maximum Ratings

To prevent damage to your equipment, please do not exceed any of the maximum ratings

specified here and on the model data sheet.

Table 1: Maximum

Parameter

Ratings

Operating Temperature

0˚C to 50˚C

Storage Temperature

-20˚C to 70˚C (non-condensing)

Input RF Power

(no damage) +7 dBm

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

6 UNPACKING

6.1 Unpacking

The equipment ships in a single large cardboard carton measuring 11 x 25.125 x 23” pictured in

the figure below.

Figure 5: Shipping carton

Within the carton, the HPA-272+ unit is protected by pink foam inserts. Remove the unit from

the box carefully and set on a stable surface. Be sure not to lose or misplace the power cord

contained in the package with the amplifier unit.

6.2 Package Contents

Table 2: Package contents

Item Description

Quantity

HPA-272+ Unit

CBL-3W-XX+ Black AC Power Cord (US, EU or UK)

Caution: The package and its contents are heavy! Use safe lifting protocols when

handling to avoid strain or injury.

A: 11”

B: 25.125”

C: 23”

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

7 LAYOUT AND INSTALLATION

7.1 Rack Mounting

The HPA-272+ equipment chassis should be fastened to rack support structure through the

slotted rack mounting holes (4x) on the front panel shown below.

Figure 3: Slotted rack mounting holes in front panel of HPA-272+ equipment chassis

Chassis must be mounted to maintain a minimum of 1U (1.75”) clearance above top panel

and below bottom panel with unobstructed access to room ambient airflow for proper operation.

Additionally,

due to weight, the unit must be supported by means other than the front

panel

. This can be facilitated by side rails or by a shelf, sufficiently secured to a standard, high

grade, 19-inch equipment rack.

7.2 Rear Panel Grounding Terminal

The rear panel of the chassis is constructed with a grounding stud to ground the box. This stud

should be connected to a Common Bonding Network (CBN) with 20 gauge or larger copper wire.

Figure 4: Rear panel grounding terminal

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

8 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

8.1 Connecting the Amplifier

The HPA-272+ has been designed with multiple levels of protection to prevent avoidable

damage to the amplifier during operation. However, Mini-Circuits’ strongly recommends that

standard operating precautions for high-power RF amplifiers be observed to reduce risk of

damage to the amplifier and connected components.

The recommended sequence for connecting the amplifier is as follows:

1) Connect AC mains power supply

2) Connect output load

3) Turn on the AC power using the switch on the front panel

4) Apply the RF input signal

8.2 Temperature and Fan Monitoring

8.2.1 Front Panel LED Indicators

The HPA-272+ features LED lights on the front panel which provide easy visual

confirmation of the internal temperature and fan status.

•The green LED labelled “Power” indicates the unit is connected to an AC power

supply and powered on.

•The red LED labeled “Temp” indicates an alarm that the temperature inside the

unit exceeds the maximum rating.

•The red LED labeled “Fan” indicates a fault or mechanical blockage with the

cooling fans.

Both of the red LEDs should be off during normal operation.

Table 3: LED Indicators (Front Panel)

Name

Color

LED State

Off

Power

Green

Power off

Power on

Temp

Red

Normal

Alarm Shutdown

Fan

Red

Normal

Fault

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

8.2.2 Status Monitoring Via the 9-Pin D-Sub Connector

In situations where the front panel of the amplifier unit is not clearly visible, the internal

temperature and the “health” of the cooling fans can also be monitored remotely via the

D-Sub connector on the front panel.

Connections to the 9-pin D-Sub socket on the HPA-272+ should be made as shown in

table 4 below. The output at pins 1 and 2 will be TTL logic levels indicating the status of

the amplifier as follows:

•Logic 1 (high) at pin 1 signals over temperature alarm

•Logic 1 (high) at pin 1 signals fan malfunction and potential mechanical blockage

•Logic 0 (low) at these pins indicates normal operation

Table 4: D-Sub Male Connector Pin Functions (Front Panel)

Pin #

Function

TTL Logic Level

Low

High

Temperature Alarm

Normal

Alarm Shutdown

Fan Alarm

Normal

Fault

Ground

4-9

No Connection

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

9 COMPANION PRODUCTS AND APPLICATION CIRCUITS

9.1 High Power, Multi-Channel Burn-In System

The HPA-272+ may be combined with Mini-

Circuits

SSG-6000RC

wideband synthesized

signal generator,

ZT-10HPS-27+

high-power

(100W) 10-way splitter, and

ZT-135

multi-

splitter rack (containing 10 independent, 10W,

4-way splitters), to deliver a test tone anywhere

in the 700 to 2700 MHz range into 40 test

channels simultaneously at greater than 1W

per channel.

This setup allows dramatic increases in burn-in

production test throughput by enabling many

DUTs to be tested in parallel.

Figure 5: Functional schematic of multi-channel burn-in system with HPA-272+

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

9.2 Output Power Monitoring

Mini-Circuits’

PWR-4RMS

true RMS power

sensor and

ZGDC35-93HP+

high-power

directional coupler allow a power monitoring

circuit to be added to the output of the HPA-

272+ amplifier. The coupler’s 35 dB

coupling ratio and 250W input power rating

allow the power sensor to be used safely,

even at fully saturated output power from the

amplifier, providing a power measurement of

approximately 0 to +50 dBm (1mW to

100W).

Figure 6: Functional schematic of an output power monitoring setup with HPA-272+

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

9.3 Output Power Monitoring with Gain Control

Combining Mini-Circuits

RUDAT-6000-

programmable attenuator with the

50 dB dynamic range of the power

sensor circuit presented in section 9.2

creates a high power amplifier system

with typical gain control range of -2 to

+48 dB.

Figure 7: Amplifier system with output power monitoring and gain control using HPA-272+ and RUDAT-6000-60

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

9.4 High Reliability Test Cables

Mini-Circuits’ CBL series of triple-shielded, high-reliability

test cables are ideal for lab and production test

requirements requiring superior quality and high

performance from DC to 18 GHz. We have a wide

selection of models in stock from 1.64 to 50 feet with SMA

and N-Type connectors. Custom assemblies are also

available on request.

9.5 HandFlex®Interconnect Cables

Mini-Circuits 141-series of HandFlex interconnect cables

are ideal for fixed interconnections between components

in test systems from DC to 18 GHz. Available from stock

in a wide variety of lengths and many combinations of

SMA, SMA right-angle, SMA bulkhead, and N-type

connectors, they provide a low cost replacement to semi-

rigid cables which often require special bending tools.

With a minimum bend radios of just 8mm, 141-series

HandFlex interconnect cables are ideal for enabling

repeatable measurements in tight system layouts.

AN-60-086 Rev.: A (M155654) 03/23/16 File: AN60086.doc

RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION (RMA)

If you have received this unit by mistake or wish to return it for evaluation, please contact Test

Solutions support using the information on page 4. You may also contact our Sales Department

at +1 718 934-4500 / sales@minicircuits.com or your local Mini-Circuits sales representative.

They will discuss your RMA request, and per Mini-Circuits RMA policy, issue an identification

number to ensure proper handling.

All returns must be accompanied by appropriate Mini-

Circuits identification and documentation to ensure proper handling.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This document is provided as an accommodation to Mini-Circuitscustomers in connection with Mini-Circuits partsonly. In that regard, this document is for

informational and guidelinepurposes only. Mini-Circuits assumes no responsibility forerrors oromissions in this documentor forany information contained

herein.

Mini-Circuits maychange this documentor the Mini-Circuits parts referenced herein (collectively, the “Materials”) from time to time, withoutnotice. Mini-Circuits

makesno commitmentto update or correct any of the Materials, andMini-Circuits shall haveno responsibility whatsoeveron account of any updates or

correctionsto the Materials or Mini-Circuits’ failure to do so.

Mini-Circuits customersare solely responsible for theproducts, systems, and applications inwhich Mini-Circuitsparts are incorporated or used. In thatregard,

customers are responsible for consulting with their own engineers and other appropriate professionalswho are familiar with the specificproducts and systems

into which Mini-Circuits’ partsare to be incorporated or used so thatthe proper selection, installation/integration,use and safeguards are made. Accordingly,

Mini-Circuits assumes no liability therefore.

In addition, your use of this document and the information contained herein issubject to Mini-Circuits’ standard termsof use,which are available at Mini-Circuits’

website at www.minicircuits.com/homepage/terms_of_use.html.

Mini-Circuits and the Mini-Circuitslogo are registered trademarks of Scientific Components Corporation d/b/a Mini-Circuits. All other third-party trademarks are

the propertyof theirrespective owners. A reference to anythird-party trademark does not constitute or imply any endorsement, affiliation, sponsorship, or

recommendation: (i) by Mini-Circuits of such third-party’s products, services, processes, or other information;or (ii) by any such third-party of Mini-Circuits or its

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