NuWaves NUPOWER XTENDER 12B04A-D30 User manual

USER MANUAL
NUPOWER XTENDER 12B04A-D30
BIDIRECTIONAL L- &S-BAND AMPLIFIER
PART NUMBER:
NW-BA-12B04A-D30
NuWaves Engineering
132 Edison Drive
Middletown, Ohio 45044
PH: 513-360-0800
FAX: [phone]
www.nuwaves.com
[email protected]om

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1NUPOWER XTENDER™ PRODUCT LINE OVERVIEW
The NuPower Xtender family of solid-state bidirectional RF amplifier modules, or “T/R 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 Xtender’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 NUPOWER XTENDER™ PRODUCT LINE HIGHLIGHTS
•High Performance: Unique combination of broadband coverage, miniature form factors, and
high efficiency.
•Enclosures: The NuPower Xtender family of bidirectional amplifiers is housed in an aluminum
enclosure with mounting holes incorporated into the chassis.
•Completely Characterized: The NuPower Xtender family of solid-state bidirectional 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 and 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 North American AC/DC wall plug adapter
oLabeled interface cable with banana jack plugs

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2NUPOWER XTENDER 12B04A-D30 OVERVIEW
The NuPower Xtender™ 12B04A-D30 is a small, lightweight, and power-efficient bidirectional amplifier
(BDA) ideal for extending the communication range of half-duplex L- or S-band transceivers running
constant-envelope or near-constant-envelope waveforms. The NuPower 12B04A-D27 accepts a nominal
+27 dBm RF input, and generates 20 watts of RF transmit power from 1000 to 2500 MHz in transmit
mode. The integrated low-noise amplifier provides a minimum of 13 dB of gain in receive mode.
Based on the latest Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, NuPower’s high-efficiency and 6.9 in.3form factor
make it ideal for SWaP-constrained applications. In addition, NuPower’s broadband frequency coverage
supports operational flexibility. NuPower Xtender bidirectional amplifiers are designed with ruggedized
chassis for high reliability in harsh environments. An optional accessory kit is available, which includes a
fan-cooled heatsink with AC/DC power adapter and upgraded interface cable with labeled banana plugs.
Figure 1: NuPower Xtender Functional Diagram

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2.1 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
The subsequent tables in this section outline the NuPower Xtender 12B04A-D30’s performance
specifications.
Table 1: NuPower Xtender 12B04A-D30 Electrical Specifications
Parameter Specification
Frequency Range 1000 to 2500 MHz
RF Output Power 20 Watts (typ)
Transmit RF Gain 15 dB (typ)
Nominal Input Drive Level +30 dBm
Maximum Input Drive Level +33 dBm
Receive RF Gain 13 dB (min)
Receive Noise Figure 3.5 dB (typ)
T/R Mode Automatic Sensing or Manual T/R Line
T/R Switch Time 1.5 µS (max)
Supply Voltage +11 to +32 VDC
Transmit Current Consumption 2.5 A @ +28 VDC (typ)
3.2 A @ +28 VDC (max)
Receive Current Consumption 100 mA @ +28 VDC (typ)
Table 2: NuPower Xtender 12B04A-D30 Environmental Specifications
Operating Conditions Specification
Operating Temperature -40 to +85 oC (baseplate)
Storage Temperature -55 to +85 oC

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2.1.1 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Figure 2: NuPower Xtender 12B04A-D30 Mechanical Outline
Table 3: NuPower Xtender 12B04A-D30 Mechanical Specifications
Parameter Specification
RF Connectors SMA (female)
Control / Power Interface Connector 9 Pin Micro-D (socket)
Dimensions (L x W x H) 3.00” x 2.00” x 1.16”
Weight 5.8 oz.

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2.2 HEAT SINKING
The NuPower Xtender is offered as a stand-alone module, or as part of a kit, which also includes a fan-
cooled heat sink with an AC/DC adapter and an interface cable with banana jack plug terminations. The
fan-cooled heat sink provides sufficient cooling for operating the NuPower Xtender at room
temperature (25 °C), however higher ambient temperatures may require additional heat-sinking to
maintain a baseplate temperature below 60 °C at 100% transmit duty cycle.
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 Xtender 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.

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3SETUP AND OPERATION
This section provides specific details for proper operation of the NuPower Xtender module. Following
these guidelines will prevent damage to the bidirectional amplifier or external equipment.
3.1 POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS
To operate the NuPower Xtender, ensure that the power supply has adequate overhead to source the
current demand of the RF amplifier. The power supply source must provide a voltage of +11 to +32 VDC
with greater than 4 amps capability.
3.2 CONNECTING A PROPER LOAD TO THE ANTENNA TERMINAL
To prevent damage to the amplifier module, 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 (1.0 to 2.5 GHz). Connecting
to an inappropriate antenna may result in damage to the amplifier 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 50 Ωload capable of dissipating the RF power from the amplifier module. Loads
capable of handling 30 Watts (min) are recommended.
3.3 POWERING-UP THE NUPOWER XTENDER
The NuPower Xtender must be terminated into a proper load before power is applied. Refer to Section
3.2 for the specifications of the proper load. After the amplifier is properly terminated, the interface
cable can be connected to the unit and power can be applied. The amplifier is now ready for operation.

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4HARDWARE INTERFACE
•The transceiver interface connector, “XCVR,” is SMA (female).
•The antenna connector, “ANT,” is SMA (female).
•The pin-out definitions for the 9 pin Micro-D socket connector, “CTRL/PWR,” are provided in
Table 4. In a typical installation, the amplifier module is mated to a host controller board via a
cable harness.
The ANT SMA connector is the antenna connection. This connection should always
be loaded into 50 Ω, otherwise the amplifier could be damaged.
4.1 INTERFACE CONNECTOR
The NuPower Xtender features a 9 pin Micro-D interface connector for control, power, and ground
connections.
Table 4: NuPower Xtender Interface Pin-Out Definitions
Socket No. Name I/0 Description
1, 2, 9 V Supply I Primary Power (+11 to +32 VDC)
3, 4, 5 GND I Signal and Power Ground
6 Data -/TX O RS-485 Data Transmit
7 Data +/RX I RS-485 Data Receive
8 T/R I/O Transmit/Receive (T/R)Source or
Sink
Figure 4: Micro-D Socket Locations
The standard interface cable harness is comprised of 9 wires, includes a Micro-D connector with pins,
and mates directly to the NuPower Xtender interface connector.

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4.2 DC POWER
The nominal supply voltage for the NuPower Xtender is +28 VDC. The amplifier module is able to
support operation over a supply voltage range of +11 to +32 VDC with minimal performance
degradation.
4.3 GROUND
The signal and power grounds are tied together in the amplifier module.
4.4 RS-485 SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS
These signals are for the RS-485 serial communications with the NuPower Xtender. This interface is
described in Section 5.
4.5 TRANSMIT/RECEIVE (T/R) SOURCE OR SINK
The T/R Source or Sink line is configurable as either an output (source) or an input (sink). When the T/R
line is configured in source mode, the Xtender transmit and receive switching occurs automatically,
based on the T/R level setting and the transceiver’s transmit state. The Xtender sources a logic signal to
indicate the mode (transmit or receive) of the BDA. A logic high indicates the Xtender is in transmit
mode, while a logic low indicates the Xtender is in receive mode.
When the T/R line is configured in sink mode, the transmit and receive switching is under manual
control. Applying a logic high to the T/R line places the Xtender in transmit mode. Likewise, applying a
logic low to the T/R line places the Xtender in receive mode.
T/R line levels can be configured to +3.3 VDC or +5 VDC logic levels.
This I/O line is described in Section 5.

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5SERIAL INTERFACE
The NuPower Xtender includes an RS-485 serial interface for adjusting linearization parameters via a
serial terminal program, such as Termite.
The serial port must be configured with the following attributes:
•Baud rate: 9600 bps
•Data bits: 8
•Stop bits: 1
•Parity: None
This section provides the user with the command syntax necessary to properly configure the
bidirectional amplifier module for use. All commands have the following attributes:
•A command consists of a string of characters, followed by a terminating Carriage Return
character, ¿(hex 0D).
•Command processing is not case sensitive.
•Spaces are always allowed and always ignored.
•After receiving and processing a command, the NuPower Xtender sends a Carriage Return
terminated string as a notification that the command was completed.
5.1 SERIAL COMMANDS
Serial commands are outlined in the table below.
Table 5: NuPower Xtender Serial Commands
5.1.1 Configuration Storage
The “CONSTO” command is used to store current Xtender settings to the EEPROM. If a value is changed
and the CONSTO command is not entered, the Xtender will return to the last stored setting upon unit
power cycling, and the changes will be lost.
The “CONDEF” command is used to return the Xtender to the factory default settings.
Command Function ICD Section
CONSTO Store settings to EEPROM 5.1.1
CONDEF Return unit to factory default values 5.1.1
TRLVLxxxx Set Transmit Threshold Control value 5.1.2
TRMODExSet T/R Mode 5.1.3
TRVOLTxSet T/R Voltage 5.1.3
STAT? Display Status 5.1.4

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5.1.2 Transmit Threshold Control
The Transmit Threshold Control feature enables the user to change the signal level threshold at which
the Xtender automatically switches from its default receive state to its transmit state. By setting a higher
transmit threshold control value (higher sensitivity), the user can help facilitate more accurate
transmit/receive state switching.
Note: If the Xtender is exhibiting false transmit switch triggering, it is recommended to set a lower
transmit threshold control value.
The “STAT?” command can be used to display the current Transmit Threshold Control value.
The “TRLVLxxxx” command is used to change the setting of the Transmit Threshold Control value.
The Transmit Threshold Control settings are defined as:
•0000 = lowest Transmit Threshold Control value, lowest transmit detection sensitivity.
•4095 = highest Transmit Threshold Control value, greatest transmit detection sensitivity.
•A Transmit Threshold Control value of 1800 sets the threshold to approximately 0 dBm.
•Note: Factory default setting is 1800 (~0 dBm threshold).
Figure 5: Transmit Threshold Control Value vs Minimum RF Input Power Required to Engage Transmit

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5.1.3 T/R Source or Sink
The “TRMODEx” command is used to configure the mode of the T/R Source or Sink I/O line, where “x” is
either 0 or 1.
The T/R Source or Sink settings are defined as:
•0 = Source Mode. In Source Mode, the T/R Source or Sink line functions as an output. While in
Source Mode, an auto-sense circuit controls the T/R switching. When the Xtender is in transmit
mode, a logic high signal will be output on this line. Conversely, when the Xtender is in receive
mode, a logic low signal will be output on this line.
•1 = Sink Mode. In Sink Mode, the T/R Source or Sink line functions as an input, and the T/R
switching is controlled by applying a logic high or logic low to this line. Applying a logic high
signal to this line enables transmit mode, while applying a logic low enables receive mode.
•Note: Factory default setting is 0 (Source Mode)
The “TRVOLTx” command is used to configure the input and output logic levels, where “x” is either 0 or
1. The T/R Logic Level settings are defined as:
•0 = 3.3 VDC Logic
•1 = 5 VDC Logic
•Note: Factory default setting is 0 (3.3 VDC Logic).
5.1.4 Unit Status Command
The “STAT?” command is used to display the system status. Information displayed in the system status is
defined as:
•Model and Firmware Version
•Serial Number
•Input Attenuator Value (n/a for this product model)
•Feedback Attenuator Value (n/a for this product model)
•Transmit Threshold Control Value
•Pre-amplifier Control Value (n/a for this product model)
•T/R Source or Sink Mode Value and Logic Level

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6PRODUCT 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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7GETTING 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: [email protected]
NuWaves Home Page:
https://www.nuwaves.com/
Product Warranty:
https://products.nuwaves.com/wp-content/uploads/NuWaves_Warranty_Repair.pdf
7.1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Copyright © 2006 – 2020 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.