NuWaves NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 User manual

USER MANUAL
NUPOWERTM 11B02A-TAC2
MINI MULTI-OCTAVE POWER AMPLIFIER
W/ INTEGRATED HEATSINK
PART NUMBER:
NW-PA-11B02A-TAC2
NuWaves Engineering
132 Edison Drive
Middletown, Ohio 45044
PH: 513-360-0800
FAX: [phone]
www.nuwaves.com
[e-mail]

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1NUPOWERTM PRODUCT LINE OVERVIEW
The NuPower family of solid state RF power amplifier (PA) modules is designed to meet the demanding
needs of the Aerospace & Defense, Industrial, and Commercial markets. Based on the latest gallium nitride
(GaN) technology, NuPower’s power efficiency and miniature form factor make it ideal for size, weight,
and power-constrained broadband RF telemetry and tactical communications systems.
1.1 NUPOWERTM PRODUCT LINE HIGHLIGHTS
•High Performance: Unique combination of broadband coverage, miniature form factors, and high
efficiency.
•Enclosures: The NuPower family of power amplifiers is housed in a silver nickel plated aluminum
enclosure with mounting holes incorporated into the chassis.
•Completely Characterized: The NuPower family of solid state power amplifiers has been
completely characterized over temperature, voltage, and frequency. These high-performance
modules offer significant value for the OEM user or the Systems Integrator.
•User Friendly: Reverse-Voltage & Over-Voltage protection and regulator thermal shutdown
provide defenses against user interface issues.
•High Reliability: NuWaves’ selection of conservatively rated components provides high reliability.
Each NuPower is inspected to IPC-A-610 Class II quality standards. NuWaves’ Quality Management
System is AS9100:2016 Rev D and ISO 9001:2015 certified.
•Applications: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) •Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) •Unmanned
Surface Vehicles (USV) •Broadband RF Telemetry •RF Communication Systems •Software Defined
Radios •Test Labs

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2NUPOWERTM MINI MULTI-OCTAVE PA OVERVIEW
The NuPowerTM 11B02A-TAC2 Mini Multi-Octave Power Amplifier (MOPA) is a highly efficient, miniature
solid state power amplifier that provides 10 watts (typical) of RF power across multiple octaves, from high
VHF through S-band.
Based on the latest gallium nitride (GaN) technology, the NuPower 11B02A-TAC2’s power efficiency and
23.63 cubic inch form factor make it ideal for size, weight, and power-constrained broadband RF telemetry
and tactical communication systems.
The NuPower 11B02A-TAC2’s rugged IP67-rated chassis with integrated heat sink allows the system
integrator or operator to easily incorporate the unit into a platform operating in harsh environments with
limited space, such as a tactical vehicle or manpack.
Figure 1: NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 Functional Diagram
2.1 NUPOWER 11B02A-TAC2 SPECIFICATIONS
The subsequent tables in this section outline the NuPower 11B02A-TAC2’s performance specifications.
Table 1: NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 Electrical Specifications
Parameter
Specification
Frequency Range
200 MHz to 2.6 GHz
RF Output Power
7 Watts (min)*
RF Gain
40 dB (typ)
2nd Harmonic
≤-10 dBc
Supply Voltage
+11 to +32 VDC
Current Consumption
1.4 A @ +28 VDC (typ)
Nominal Input Drive Level
0 dBm

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Maximum Input Drive Level
(No damage)
+10 dBm
Power Amplifier Enable
GND On
Impedance
50 Ω
*The NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 will provide 10 watts (typ) RF output power across 200 MHz to 2.6 GHz
with an input drive level of +3 dBm.
Table 2: NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 Environmental Specifications
Operating Conditions
Specification
Operating Temperature -
Ambient
-40 to +60 oC
Operating Temperature -
Baseplate
-40 to +85 oC
Storage Temperature
-55 to +85 oC
Table 3: NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)
Conditions
Hours
Ground Benign (GB)
645,936
Airborne Inhabited Cargo (AIC)
217,065
Airborne Inhabited Fighter (AIF)
181,272
Airborne Uninhabited Cargo (AUC)
74,792
Airborne Uninhabited Fighter (AUF)
63,350

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2.2 NUPOWER 11B02A-TAC2 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Figure 2: NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 Mechanical Outline
Table 4: NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 Mechanical Specifications
Parameter
Specification
RF Connectors
Input
Output
TNC (Female)
N (Female)
Control / Power Interface Connector
4 Pin Bayonet (socket)
Dimensions (L x W x H)
4.50”x 3.50”x 1.50”
Weight
20 oz.

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2.3 HEAT SINKING
The NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 features an integrated heatsink. The chassis/integrated heatsink was
designed for short-duration transmit periods. If chassis temperature is allowed to exceed 85°C (default),
the Temp Fault line will go low (0VDC) and bias to internal amplifiers will be removed until cooled to
approximately 70°C.
Note: If desired, factory can reduce thermal shutdown point to protect users if worn on body. Contact
[email protected] to request changes.
Figure 3: Chassis Temp vs. Time [@22°C Ambient, 25W Power Dissipation (average in band), 0dBm
Input, CW]
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90
Chassis Temp (°C)
Time (m)
11B02A-TAC2 Chassis Temperature vs. Transmit Time

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3SETUP AND OPERATION
This section provides specific details for proper operation of the NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 module.
Following these guidelines will prevent damage to the power amplifier or external equipment.
3.1 POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS
To operate the NuPower 11B02A-TAC2, ensure that the power supply has adequate overhead to source
the current demand of the RF power amplifier. The power supply source must provide a typical voltage of
+28 VDC with greater than 3 amps capability (or equivalent current based on acceptable 11-32V input
voltage range).
3.2 CONNECTING A PROPER LOAD TO THE ANTENNA TERMINAL
To prevent damage to the PA, the antenna terminal must be terminated into a 50 Ωload. Examples of a
proper load include:
•Directly connecting to an antenna specified for the frequency range (200 MHz to 2.6 GHz).
Connecting to an inappropriate antenna may result in damage to the PA module.
•Connecting to a proper antenna through a 50 Ωtransmission line or coaxial cable. Avoid using
damaged cables or corroded connectors while attaching the unit to an antenna.
•Terminating the antenna terminal into a 50 Ωpower attenuator with minimum 20 dB attenuation.
•Connecting to a load capable of dissipating the RF power from the PA module. Loads capable of
handling 30 Watts (min) are recommended.
3.3 POWERING-UP THE 11B02A-TAC2
The NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 must be terminated to a proper load before power is applied. Refer to Section
3.2 for the specifications of the proper load. After the PA is properly terminated, the interface cable can
be connected to the unit and power can be applied. The PA is now ready for operation.
3.4 TRANSMIT TURN-ON TIME
Caution: Do not apply transmit data until the PA module is at full power. This will prevent
loss of data at the beginning of a message.
The NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 is at full power approximately 30 µS after the RF Enable switch is placed in
the ‘ON’ position. Therefore, transmit data can be applied to the input after 30 µS without loss of data.
3.5 RF OUTPUT POWER VS. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
Although the NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 was designed for +28 VDC operation, the module is capable of
providing suitable RF power output over a broad range of supply voltages: +11 VDC to +32 VDC.

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3.6 DC POWER SWITCH
The DC Power Switch on the front panel will allow or remove power applied to the V Supply pin. This
enables the user to connect a battery or power supply to the module without consuming unwanted
power. Connect the interface cable to a power source and place switch toward ‘DC Power’ position to
place the amplifier in standby mode.
3.7 RF ENABLE
The RF Enable line on the external interface cable controls the internal amplifiers’ bias. When the RF
Enable line is left floating, the NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 will be in standby mode. Pulling the line low (-
0.5VDC to +1.5VDC, or GND) will place the module in transmit mode.
Note: The RF Enable line is pulled high internally and does not require applying a voltage.
3.8 TEMPERATURE FLAG
The Temp Flag line on the external interface cable is an indicator of an over-temperature condition in the
NuPower 11B02A-TAC2. A Logic HIGH (+5VDC) signal indicates normal operation, while a Logic LOW
(0VDC) indicates an over-temperature fault condition. The NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 incorporates internal
logic circuitry that turns off the DC bias to the RF transistors to naturally allow the module to cool off.
Default thermal shutdown point is +85°C and will restore bias and be fully functional when unit cools to
approximately 70°C.

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4HARDWARE INTERFACE
•The RF Input connector is TNC (female).
•The RF Output connector is N-type (female).
•The pin-out definitions for the 4 pin bayonet connector are provided in Table 5.
The RF Out N-type connector is the antenna connection. This connection should
always be loaded into 50 Ω, otherwise the PA could be damaged.
4.1 INTERFACE CABLE HARNESS
The cable harness that connects the host controller to the 4-pin bayonet connector of the NuPower
11B02A-TAC2 is made up of 4 wires.
Table 5: NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 Interface Pin-Out Definitions
Pin No.
Pin Name
I/0
Description
1
V Supply
I
Primary Power (+28 VDC)
2
GND
I
Signal and Power Ground
3
Temp Flag
O
Temperature Flag (5V=no
fault/0V=temp fault)
4
RF Enable
I
RF Enable
(Floating=standby/GND=bias
enable)
Figure 4: Bayonet Connector Socket Locations

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4.2 DC POWER
The nominal supply voltage for the NuPower 11B02A-TAC2 is +28 VDC; however, the amplifier module is
able to support operation over a supply voltage range of +11 to +32 VDC.
4.3 GROUND
The signal and power grounds are tied together in the PA module.
5PRODUCT DISPOSAL – END-OF-LIFE
Safety is a guiding principle of NuWaves RF Solutions. We ensure safe production and operation of our
products, as well as end-of-life disposal. Improper disposal can adversely affect the environment, wildlife
and human health. Please follow these guidelines when disposing of a NuWaves product:
•Do not remove the cover or any hardware
•Do not remove components from the circuit card assembly
•Do not incinerate
•Do not crush or shred
•Do not dispose of as unsorted municipal waste
•Do not export e-waste outside of the original destination country for recycling
•Utilize an e-Steward or ISO14001 certified e-waste recycler
•Consider export controls during recycler selection
•If a NuWaves product is incorporated into a larger system or sub-system, ensure that these
guidelines are followed at system end-of-life