NuWaves NUPOWER 15D05A-C01-S01 User manual

USER MANUAL
NUPOWERTM 15D05A-C01-S01
L- &S-BAND POWER AMPLIFIER
PART NUMBER:
NW-PA-15D05A-C01-S01
NuWaves Engineering
132 Edison Drive
Middletown, Ohio 45044
PH: 513-360-0800
FAX: [phone]
www.nuwaves.com
[e-mail]

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15D05A-C01-S01 User Manual
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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: 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: Broadband RF Telemetry •RF Communication Systems •Electronic Warfare •
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) •Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) •Unmanned Surface
Vehicles (USV) •Software Defined Radios • Test Labs
•Available Options:
oFan-cooled heat sink with 28V operated fan
oLabeled interface cable with banana jack plugs

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2NUPOWERTM 15D05A-C01-S01 PA OVERVIEW
The NuPowerTM 15D05A-C01-S01 PA is a highly efficient, solid state power amplifier that typically provides
33 watts of RF power across 800 MHz – 2500 MHz.
Based on the latest gallium nitride (GaN) technology, NuPower L-Band power efficiency and < 10 in3 cubic
inch form factor make it ideal for size, weight, and power-constrained broadband RF telemetry and tactical
communication systems.
The NuPowerTM 15D05A-C01-S01’s ruggedized chassis allows the system integrator to easily incorporate
the unit into a platform operating in harsh environments with limited space, such as small Unmanned
Aircraft Systems (UAS).
Figure 1: NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01 Functional Diagram

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2.1 NUPOWER 15D05A-C01-S01 PA SPECIFICATIONS
The subsequent tables in this section outline the NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01’s performance specifications.
Table 1: NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01 Electrical Specifications
Parameter Specification
Frequency Range 800 MHz to 2500 MHz
RF Output Power 20 Watts (min), 33W (typ)
Output Power @ 1 dB Compression
31 dBm @ 800 MHz
31 dBm @ 1600 MHz
33 dBm @ 2500 MHz
Large Signal Gain 44 dB (typ)
Input VSWR 2:1 (typ)
Output Mismatch
(No Damage at all Phase Angles) 10:1
Nominal Input Drive Level 0 dBm
Maximum Input Drive Level
(No damage) +12 dBm
Harmonic
2nd: -25 dBc (typ)
3rd: -20 dBc (typ)
Third Order Intercept Point
(Two tone test at 1 MHz spacing,
Pout = 20 dBm / tone)
44 dBm @ 800 MHz
41 dBm @ 1600 MHz
44 dBm @ 2500 MHz
Switching Speed 700ns (typ), 2µS (max)
Operating Voltage +27 to +32 VDC
Operating Current 2.7 A @ +28 VDC (typ)
Module Efficiency 42% (typ)
Power Amplifier Enable GND (RF Enable)
Impedance 50 Ω

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Table 2: NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01 Environmental Specifications
Operating Conditions Specification
Operating Temperature -40 to +85 oC (ambient)
-40 to +85 oC (baseplate)
Storage Temperature -55 to +85 oC
Table 3: NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01 Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)
Conditions Hours
Ground Benign (GB) 292,657
Airborne Inhabited Cargo (AIC) 14,955
Airborne Inhabited Fighter (AIF) 11,976
Airborne Uninhabited Cargo (AUC) 4,994
Airborne Uninhabited Fighter (AUF) 4,108

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2.2 NUPOWER 15D05A-C01-S01 PA MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Figure 2: NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01 Mechanical Outline
Table 4: NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01 Mechanical Specifications
Parameter Specification
RF Connectors SMA (female)
Control / Power Interface Connector 9 Pin Micro-D (socket)
Dimensions (L x W x H) 4.5” x 3.5” x 0.61”
Weight 9 oz.

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2.3 HEAT SINKING
The NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01 is offered as a stand-alone module or with an accessory kit
(p/n NW-PA-ACC-KT03), which includes a 28 VDC fan-cooled heatsink and requisite power cable. [The kit
also includes an upgraded module interface cable assembly, labeled and terminated with banana plugs.]
Figure 3: The NuPower PA Kit offers “out-of-the-box” operation for the user. The 28 VDC fan-cooled
heatsink is shown with the NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01 mounted.
Caution: The use of external heat-sinking is required especially for those applications
requiring high duty cycle operation (e.g. continuous wave) or for extended on-time
testing.
Operation without a proper heat sink under these conditions will cause
permanent damage to the product and will void the product warranty.
The maximum operating temperature is 85˚ C (baseplate).

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3SETUP AND OPERATION
This section provides specific details for proper operation of the NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01 module.
Following these guidelines will prevent damage to the power amplifier or external equipment.
3.1 POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS
To operate the NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01, 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 6 amps capability.
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 (800 MHz to 2500 MHz).
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 50 Watts (min) are recommended.
3.3 POWERING-UP THE NUPOWER 15D05A-C01-S01
The NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01 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 15D05A-C01-S01 is at full power approximately 1 µS after the RF Enable line goes low
(ground). Therefore, transmit data can be applied to the input after 1 µS without loss of data.
3.5 RF OUTPUT POWER VS. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
The NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01 was designed for +28 VDC operation.

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4HARDWARE INTERFACE
•The RF Input connector is SMA (female).
•The RF Output connector is SMA (female).
•The pin-out definitions for the 9 pin Micro-D socket connector are provided in Table 5. In a typical
installation, the PA module is mated to a host controller board via a cable harness.
The RF Out SMA 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 9 pin Micro-D connector of the NuPower
15D05A-C01-S01 is made up of 9 wires.
Table 5: NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01 Interface Pin-Out Definitions
Pin No. Pin Name I/0 Description
3, 4, 5 V Supply I Primary Power (+28 VDC)
1, 2, 6, 8 GND I Signal and Power Ground
7* Temp Flag 0 Over-temp Indicator
(Low = temperature fault)
9 RF Enable I Transmit Control
Figure 4: Micro-D Socket Locations
*Do not connect the Temperature Flag to DC Power (+28 Volts input). The Temperature Flag can be used
to monitor thermal shutdown.

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4.2 DC POWER
The nominal supply voltage for the NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01 is +28 VDC; The acceptable supply voltage
range is +27 to +32 VDC.
4.3 GROUND
The signal and power grounds are tied together in the PA module.
4.4 RF ENABLE
This signal is the logic control input that designates whether the unit is in transmit or standby mode. The
RF Enable line is pulled high internally placing the PA module in standby mode. If the pin is left floating
(i.e. not connected), the unit will default to standby mode.
Grounding the pin (i.e. a voltage below +0.2 VDC) places the unit in transmit mode. The user can either
connect the RF Enable line to pins , 1, 2, 6 & 8 on the CTRL/PWR interface connector, or an open drain
logic line capable of sinking 500 µA to place the unit in transmit mode.
4.5 TEMP FLAG
This signal is an output to indicate an over-temperature condition in the NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01. A
logic high (+5 VDC) indicates normal operation, while a logic low (0 VDC) indicates an over-temperature
condition. The NuPower 15D05A-C01-S01 incorporates internal logic circuitry that turns off the DC bias to
the RF transistors.
Caution: The amplifier should be shut down and allowed to cool off when the over-
temperature flag is set low to avoid damage to the module.
Do not connect the Temperature Flag to DC Power (+28 Volts input). The Temperature Flag
can be used to monitor thermal shutdown

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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

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6GETTING HELP - APPLICATIONS ENGINEERING
NuWaves RF Solutions offers technical support for basic configuration help and troubleshooting, Monday
through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Technical Assistance, Application Engineering and Sales:
Phone: [phone]
Email: suppo[email protected]
NuWaves Home Page: https://www.nuwaves.com/
Product Warranty:
https://products.nuwaves.com/wp-content/uploads/NuWaves_Warranty_Repair.pdf
6.1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Copyright © 2006 – 2021 NuWaves Ltd. All rights reserved. The information contained in this user manual
is copyright protected. NuWaves reserves the right to make periodic modifications and product
improvements to the NuPower product line and the associated documentation.