NuWaves NUPOWER S100A01 User manual

USER MANUAL
NUPOWERTM S100A01
S-BAND POWER AMPLIFIER
PART NUMBER:
NW-PA-S-100-A01
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 are 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 have 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 S100A01 PA OVERVIEW
The NuPowerTM S100A01 PA is a highly efficient, solid state power amplifier that typically provides 125
Watts of RF power across 2000 MHz – 2500 MHz.
Based on the latest gallium nitride (GaN) technology, NuPower S-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 S100A01 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 S100A01 Functional Diagram

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2.1 NUPOWER S100A01 PA SPECIFICATIONS
The subsequent tables in this section outline the NuPower S100A01’s performance specifications.
Table 1: NuPower S100A01 Electrical Specifications
Parameter Specification
Frequency Range 2000 MHz to 2500 MHz
RF Output Power 90 Watts (min); 125 Watts (typ)
Output Power @ 1 dB Compression
36 dBm @ 2000 MHz
37 dBm @ 2250 MHz
41 dBm @ 2500 MHz
RF Large Signal Gain 21 dB (typ)
Input VSWR 1.5:1 (typ)
Output Mismatch Max
(No Damage all Phase Angles) 10:1
Nominal Input Drive Level +30 dBm
Maximum Input Drive Level
(No damage) +33 dBm
Harmonics
2nd: ≤-52 dBc
3rd: ≤-55 dBc
Third Order Intercept Point
(Two tone test at 1 MHz spacing,
Pout = 30 dBm / tone)
46 dBm @ 2000 MHz
47 dBm @ 2250 MHz
49 dBm @ 2500 MHz
Switching Speed 2 µS (max), 500 ns (typ)
Operating Voltage +27 to +32 VDC
Operating Current 11.5 A @ +28 VDC (typ)
Module Efficiency 40% (typ)
Power Amplifier Enable RF Enable = Low (0V – +0.8VDC)
Impedance 50 Ω

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Table 2: NuPower S100A01 Environmental Specifications
Operating Conditions Specification
Operating Temperature -40 to +45 oC (ambient)1
-40 to +70 oC (baseplate)2
Storage Temperature -55 to +85 oC
Table 2 Notes:
145°C max ambient operating temperature with HTSK-07; Pout = 100W
270°C max baseplate operating temperature (S100A01 module only); Pout = 100W
Table 3: NuPower S100A01 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 S100A01 PA MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Figure 2: NuPower S100A01 Mechanical Outline
Table 4: NuPower S100A01 Mechanical Specifications
Parameter Specification
RF Connectors SMA (female)
Control / Power Interface Connector Micro-D Hybrid, 7+2-pin
Socket
Dimensions (L x W x H) 6.5” x 4.5” x 1.0”
Weight 22.6 oz.

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2.3 HEAT SINKING
The NuPower S100A01 is offered as a stand-alone module or with an optional heat sink
(p/n: HTSK-07), which includes a 28 VDC fan-cooled heatsink and requisite power cable.
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 of the module only is 70˚ C (baseplate).
3SETUP AND OPERATION
This section provides specific details for proper operation of the NuPower S100A01 module. Following
these guidelines will prevent damage to the power amplifier or external equipment.
3.1 POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS
To operate the NuPower S100A01, 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 13 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 Ω load. Examples of a
proper load include:
•Directly connecting to an antenna specified for the frequency range (2000 MHz to 2500 MHz).
Connecting to an inappropriate antenna may result in damage to the PA module.
•Connecting to a proper antenna through a 50Ω transmission line or coaxial cable. Avoid using
damaged cables or corroded connectors while attaching the unit to an antenna.
•Terminating the antenna terminal into a 50Ωhigh power attenuator with minimum 20 dB
attenuation.
•Connecting to a load capable of dissipating the RF power from the PA module. Loads capable of
handling 200 Watts (min) are recommended.
3.3 POWERING-UP THE NUPOWER S100A01
The NuPower S100A01 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.

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3.4 TRANSMIT TURN-ON TIME
The NuPower S100A01 is at full power approximately 500ns after the RF Enable line goes low (ground).
Therefore, transmit data can be applied to the input after 500ns without loss of data.
4HARDWARE INTERFACE
•The RF Input connector is SMA (female).
•The RF Output connector is SMA (female).
•The pin-out definitions for the Micro-D Hybrid, 7 +2-pin 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 Micro-D Hybrid, 7 +2-pin socket connector of
the NuPower S100A01 is made up of 9 wires.
Table 5: NuPower S100A01 Interface Pin-Out Definitions
Pin No. Pin Name I/0 Description
A2 DC Power
(+28V)
I Primary Power (+28 VDC)
3, A1 GND I Signal and Power Ground
2 Over
Temperature
Flag
O +5V TTL Logic Level
0V = Temperature Fault
+5V = No Fault
1 RF Enable I Transmit Control:
RF Enable Floating = RF Off
RF Enable Logic Low (0V- +0.8V) =
Bias Enabled
4 Current Temp O Analog voltage calibrated to
internal temp
5 N/C N/A No Connect

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Figure 3: Micro-D Hybrid, 7 +2-pin Socket Locations
*Do not connect the Temperature Flag to DC Power (+28 Volts input). The Temperature Flag can be used
to monitor thermal status.
4.2 DC POWER
The nominal supply voltage for the NuPower S100A01 is +28 VDC. The acceptable supply voltage range
is +26 to +32 VDC. If a voltage above 32VDC is applied, the drain bias to internal amplifiers will be
removed and the transmit path will be non-operational.
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 +0.8 VDC) places the unit in transmit mode. The user can either
connect the RF Enable line to pins A1 or 3 on the CTRL/PWR interface connector, or an open drain logic
line capable of sinking 500 µA to place the unit in transmit mode.
Do not connect the RF Enable line to DC Power (+28 Volts input). No input voltage is required on the RF
Enable line.

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4.5 TEMP FLAG
This signal is an output to indicate an over-temperature condition in the NuPower S100A01. A logic high
(+5 VDC) indicates normal operation, while a logic low (0 VDC) indicates an over-temperature condition.
The NuPower S100A01 incorporates internal logic circuitry that turns off the DC bias to the RF
amplifiers. See section 4.6 for details on thermal shutdown points.
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 status.
4.6 CURRENT TEMP
This signal is an output to indicate internal temperature of the S100A01. Temperature Flag (Section 4.5)
threshold is reached when internal temperature of approximately 85°C is exceeded and will re-enable
bias to internal RF amplifiers at approximately 70°C. See Figure 5 below for ‘current temp’ voltage and
corresponding internal temperature.
Figure 5. Current Temperature Output Voltage vs. Internal Temperature
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
550
600
650
700
750
800
850
900
950
1000
1050
1100
-40 -35 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
Current Temp Voltage (mV)
Internal Temperature (°C)
Current Temp Voltage vs. Internal Temperature
Current Temp (mV)

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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

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6GETTING HELP - APPLICATIONS ENGINEERING
NuWaves Engineering 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: [e-mail]
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 – 2019 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.