NuWaves NUPOWER S-10-C01-S01 User manual

USER MANUAL
NUPOWERTM S-10-C01-S01
L- & S-BAND POWER AMPLIFIER
PART NUMBER:
NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01
NuWaves Engineering
132 Edison Drive
Middletown, Ohio 45044
PH: 513-360-0800
www.nuwaves.com
[e-mail]

NuPowerTM NW-PA-S-10-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: 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
•Available Options:
oFan-cooled heat sink with AC/DC adapter
oLabeled interface cable with banana jack plugs
o1 Watt input drive level

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2NUPOWERTM S-10-C01-S01 OVERVIEW
The NuPowerTM S-10-C01-S01 solid state power amplifier (SSPA) is a small, highly efficient PA that provides
over 10 watts of RF power across S-band.
Based on the latest GaN technology, NuPower’s typical 26% power efficiency and 3.9 cubic inch form
factor makes it ideal for size, weight, and power-constrained broadband RF telemetry and tactical
communications systems.
The NuPower NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01 accepts a nominal -5 dBm RF input and provides over 44 dB of power
gain from 3000 to 4000 MHz. NuPower PAs feature over-voltage and reverse-voltage protection in
addition to a simple control line interface allowing the user to easily place the module into transmit or
standby mode of operation. A kit is available for purchase which includes a fan-cooled heatsink with AC
/ DC power adapter and upgraded interface cable with labeled banana plugs.
Figure 1: NuPower NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01 Functional Diagram
2.1 NUPOWER NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01 SPECIFICATIONS
The subsequent tables in this section outline the NuPower NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01’s performance
specifications.
Table 1: NuPower NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01 Electrical Specifications
Parameter
Specification
Frequency Range
3 GHz to 4 GHz
RF Output Power
8 Watts (min)
RF Large Signal Gain
44 dB (min)
RF Small Signal Gain
52dB (typ)
2nd Harmonic
-30 dBc (typ)
Supply Voltage
+11 to +32 VDC
Current Consumption
2 A @ +28 VDC (typ)
Power Amplifier Enable
+5 VDC On (RF Enable)

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Nominal Input Drive Level
-5 dBm
Maximum Input Drive Level
(No damage)
+10 dBm
Impedance
50 Ω
Table 2: NuPower NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01 Environmental Specifications
Operating Conditions
Specification
Operating Temperature for
Continuous Operation
(>5 minutes)
-40 to +60 oC (ambient)
-40 to +85 oC (baseplate)
Operating Temperature for 20%
Duty Cycle
-40 to +65 oC (ambient)
-40 to +85 oC (baseplate)
Storage Temperature
-55 to +85 oC

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2.2 NUPOWER NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Figure 2: NuPower NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01 Mechanical Outline
Table 3: NuPower NW-PA-S-10-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)
3.25” x 2.00”x 0.5”
Weight
3.7 oz.

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2.3 HEAT SINKING
The NuPower NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01 is offered as a stand-alone module or with an optional heat sink
(P/N: HTSK-08), which includes a 28 VDC fan-cooled heatsink and requisite power cable.
Figure 3: The NuPower PA Kit offers “out-of-the-box” operation for the user. The fan-cooled heatsink
with an AC/DC adapter is shown with an example PA (NuPower NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01 not shown).
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 external heatsink thermal resistance requirements are:
•<0.25 ˚C/W for operation up to 60 ˚C ambient
•<0.7 ˚C/W for operation up to 40 ˚C ambient

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3SETUP AND OPERATION
This section provides specific details for proper operation of the NuPower NW-PA-S-10-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 NW-PA-S-10-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 3 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 (3000 MHz to 4000 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 NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01
The NuPower NW-PA-S-10-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 NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01 is at full power approximately 2µS after the RF Enable line goes high
(+5 VDC). Therefore, transmit data can be applied to the input after 2µS without loss of data.

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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 4. 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 NW-
PA-S-10-C01-S01 is made up of 9 wires.
Table 4: NuPower NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01 Interface Pin-Out Definitions
Pin No.
Pin Name
I/0
Description
1, 2
V Supply
I
Primary Power (+11 to +32 VDC)
3, 4
GND
I
Signal and Power Ground
5
RF Enable
I
Transmit Enable
6, 7, 9
N.C.
-
N/A
8
Temp Flag
0
Over-temp Indicator (+5VDC = no
fault; 0VDC = temp fault)
Figure 4: Micro-D Socket Locations

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4.2 DC POWER
The nominal supply voltage for the NuPower NW-PA-S-10-C01-S01 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.
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 low 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.
Applying +5 VDC to the RF Enable pin (Pin 5) places the unit in transmit mode.
4.5 TEMP FLAG
This signal is a logic level output to indicate an over-temperature condition in the NuPower NW-PA-S-10-
C01-S01. A logic high (+5 VDC) indicates normal operation, while a logic low (0 VDC) indicates an over-
temperature condition. The NuPower NW-PA-S-10-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 high to avoid damage to the module.

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5PRODUCT DISPOSAL – END-OF-LIFE
Safety is a guiding principle of NuWaves Engineering. 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