NuWaves NUPOWER XTENDER VU4GX01 User manual

USER MANUAL
NUPOWER XTENDER VU4GX01
BIDIRECTIONAL VHF/UHF AMPLIFIER
PART NUMBER:
NW-BA-VU-4-GX01
NuWaves Engineering
132 Edison Drive
Middletown, Ohio 45044
PH: 513-360-0800
FAX: [phone]
www.nuwaves.com
[e-mail]

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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 a nickel-plated
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 VU4GX01 OVERVIEW
The NuPower Xtender™ VU4GX01 Bidirectional VHF/UHF Amplifier module is a small, lightweight, and
power-efficient bidirectional amplifier (BDA) ideal for extending the communication range of half-duplex
transceivers running high peak-to-average waveforms such as OFDM or LTE. The bidirectional amplifier
generates 4 watts of linear RF transmit power (-33 dBc ACPR) from 225 to 512 MHz in transmit mode
and the integrated low-noise amplifier provides 15 dB of gain in receive mode.
Based on the latest Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, NuPower’s high-efficiency and 3.8 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.
Figure 1: NuPower Xtender VU4GX01 Functional Diagram

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2.1 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
The subsequent tables in this section outline the NuPower Xtender VU4GX01’s performance
specifications.
Table 1: NuPower Xtender VU4GX01 Electrical Specifications
Parameter
Specification
Frequency Range
225 to 512 MHz
RF Output Power, Linear
4 Watts @ -33 dBc ACPR (TBR)
RF Output Power, Psat
10 Watts
Transmit RF Gain
31 dB (typ)
Nominal Input Drive Level
+5 dBm
Maximum Input Drive Level
+30 dBm
Receive RF Gain
15 dB (min)
Receive Noise Figure
2.5 dB (typ)
T/R Mode
Manual T/R Line
T/R Switch Time
2 µS
Supply Voltage
28 VDC (+10 to +32 VDC in final product)
Transmit Current Consumption
1.1 A @ +28 VDC (typ) @ Pout = 4 W
1.6 A @ +28 VDC (typ) @ Pout = 1- W
Receive Current Consumption
100 mA @ +28 VDC (typ)
Table 2: NuPower Xtender VU4GX01 Environmental Specifications
Operating Conditions
Specification
Operating Temperature
(100% transmit duty cycle)
-40 to +85 oC (baseplate)
Storage Temperature
-55 to +85 oC

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2.1.1 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Figure 2: NuPower Xtender VU4GX01 Mechanical Outline
Table 3: NuPower Xtender VU4GX01 Mechanical Specifications
Parameter
Specification
RF Connectors
SMA (female)
Control / Power Interface Connector
15 Pin Micro-D (socket)
Dimensions (L x W x H)
2.34” x 2.34” x 0.7”
Weight
1.92 oz.

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2.2 AS9100:2016 REV D AND ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED HEAT SINKING
The NuPower Xtender VU4GX01 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 VU4GX01, 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
+28 VDC with greater than 2 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 (225 to 512 MHz).
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 VU4GX01 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 15 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 VU4GX01 features a 15 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
3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13
V Supply
I
Primary Power (+28 VDC)
1, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15
GND
I
Signal and Power Ground
2
Temp
O
Over Temperature Flag
9
TR_EN
I
Transmit / Receive Enable
The standard interface cable harness is comprised of 15 wires, includes a Micro-D connector with pins,
and mates directly to the NuPower Xtender interface connector.
4.2 DC POWER
The nominal supply voltage for the NuPower Xtender VU4GX01 is +28 VDC.
4.3 GROUND
The signal and power grounds are tied together in the amplifier module.

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4.4 OVER TEMPERATURE FLAG
This signal is an output to indicate an over-temperature condition in the NuPower Xtender VU4GX01. A
logic high (+5 VDC) indicates normal operation, while a logic low (0 VDC) indicates an over-temperature
condition. The NuPower 13G05A 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.
4.5 TRANSMIT/RECEIVE (T/R) ENABLE
The Xtender transmit and receive switching is a manual control function. Applying a logic low (0 V or
GND) to the T/R line places the VU4GX01 in transmit mode. Likewise applying either a logic high (+5 V)
to the T/R line, or leaving it float (NC), places the VU4GX01 in receive mode.

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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:
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
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.