Teledyne SSPA User manual

Drawing Number: 208495
Revision Y
ECO 18899
➤General Information (216595-1)
➤Unit Description (208495-1)
➤Quick-Start (216595-2)
➤SSPA Operational Basics (216595-3)
➤L-Band Operation (216594-3)
➤Maintenance and Troubleshooting (208495-2)
➤Maintenance Switch Mode (216595-4)
➤Redundant System Operation (216595-5)
➤Phase Combined System Operation (216595-6)
➤Remote Control Protocol (216595-7)
➤Performance Tests (216595-8)
➤SSPA Control with Universal M&C Software (216594-2)
➤Use and Disclosure of Data (216594-1)
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED!
You can view the latest revision of this manual on the Teledyne Paradise Datacom web site:
http://www.paradisedatacom.com/xml/208495/208495.xml
USE AND DISCLOSURE OF DATA
EAR99 Technology Subject to Restrictions Contained in http://www.paradisedatacom.com/xml/216594/216594-1.xml
Last Modified: 28 January 2020
Manual, Compact Outdoor SSPAs (208495)
1 of 1

THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

Teledyne Paradise Datacom
Drawing Number: 216595-1 Revision -
RA 7714
06 November 2019
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED!
You can view the latest revision of this manual section on the Teledyne Paradise Datacom web site:
http://www.paradisedatacom.com/xml/216595/216595-1.xml
USE AND DISCLOSURE OF DATA
EAR99 Technology Subject to Restrictions Contained in http://www.paradisedatacom.com/xml/216594/216594-1.xml.
Outdoor SSPAs, General Information (216595-1)
1 of 10

This section provides the general information for the Teledyne Paradise Datacom Outdoor Solid State Power Amplifier
(SSPA) family of products, including the Compact Outdoor SSPA and High Power Outdoor SSPA.
Outdoor SSPAs, General Information (216595-1)
2 of 10

Refer to the SSPA's specification sheet for complete specifications. The latest revision of the specification sheets for the
Compact Outdoor SSPA and High Power Outdoor SSPA are available on the Teledyne Paradise Datacom web site:
www.paradisedata.com.
Outdoor SSPAs, General Information (216595-1)
3 of 10

When the unit is received, an initial inspection should be completed. First ensure that the shipping container is not damaged.
If it is, have a representative from the shipping company present when the container is opened. Perform a visual inspection
of the equipment to make sure that all items on the packing list are enclosed. If any damage has occurred or if items are
missing, contact:
Teledyne Paradise Datacom
328 Innovation Blvd., Suite 100
State College, PA 16803 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Outdoor SSPAs, General Information (216595-1)
4 of 10

To protect the SSPA Chassis during shipment, use high quality commercial packing methods. When possible, use the
original shipping container and its materials. Reliable commercial packing and shipping companies have facilities and
materials to adequately repack the instrument.
Outdoor SSPAs, General Information (216595-1)
5 of 10

Potential safety hazards exist unless proper precautions are observed when working with this unit. To ensure safe operation,
the user must follow the information, cautions and warnings provided in this manual as well as the warning labels placed on
the unit itself.
High Voltage Hazards
High Voltage, for the purpose of this section, is any voltage in excess of 30V. Voltages above this value can be hazardous
and even lethal under certain circumstances. Care should be taken when working with devices that operate at high voltage.
All probes and tools that contact the equipment should be properly insulated to prevent the operator
from coming in contact with the voltage.
The work area should be secure and free from nonessential items.
Operators should never work alone on high voltage devices. There should always be another person
present in the same work area to assist in the event of an emergency.
Operators should be familiar with procedures to employ in the event of an emergency, i.e., remove all
power, CPR, etc.
An AC powered unit will have 115 VAC or 230 VAC entering through the AC power connector. Caution is
required when working near this connector, the AC circuit breaker, or the internal power supply.
High Current Hazards
Many high power devices are capable of producing large surges of current. This is true at all voltages, but needs to be
emphasized for low voltage devices. Low voltage devices provide security from high voltage hazards, but also require higher
current to provide the same power. High current can cause severe injury from burns and explosion. The following
precautions should be taken on devices capable of discharging high current:
Remove all conductive personal items (rings, watches, medals, etc.)
The work area should be secure and free of non-essential items.
Wear safety glasses and protective clothing.
Operators should never work alone on high risk devices. There should always be another person present
in the same area to assist in the event of an emergency.
Outdoor SSPAs, General Information (216595-1)
6 of 10

Operators should be familiar with procedures to employ in the event of an emergency, i.e., remove all
power, CPR, etc.
Large DC currents are generated to operate the RF Module inside of the enclosure. Extreme caution is required when the
enclosure is open and the amplifier is operating. Do not touch any of the connections on the RF modules when the amplifier
is operating. Current in excess of 60 Amperes may exist on any one connector.
RF Transmission Hazards
RF transmissions at high power levels may cause eyesight damage and skin burns. Prolonged exposure to high levels of RF
energy has been linked to a variety of health issues. Please use the following precautions with high levels of RF power.
Always terminate the RF input and output connector prior to applying prime AC input power.
Never look directly into the RF output waveguide.
Maintain a suitable distance from the source of the transmission such that the power density is below
recommended guidelines in ANSI/IEEE C95.1. The power density specified in ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992 is 10
mW/cm2. These requirements adhere to OSHA Standard 1910.97.
When a safe distance is not practical, RF shielding should be used to achieve the recommended power
density levels.
Electrical Discharge Hazards
An electric spark can not only create ESD reliability problems, it can also cause serious safety hazards. The following
precautions should be followed when there is a risk of electrical discharge:
Follow all ESD guidelines
Remove all flammable material and solvents from the area.
All probes and tools that contact the equipment should be properly insulated to prevent electrical
discharge.
The work area should be secure and free from nonessential items.
Operators should never work alone on hazardous equipment. There should always be another person
present in the same work area to assist in the event of an emergency.
Outdoor SSPAs, General Information (216595-1)
7 of 10

Operators should be familiar with procedures to employ in the event of an emergency, i.e., remove all
power, CPR, etc.
High Leakage Current
The equipment may have more than 3.5 mA leakage current. Make sure a connection to earth ground is present before
applying prime power, and after removing prime power.
High Potential for Waveguide Arcing
As with all systems which utilize high power signals within waveguide, the potential exists for an electric arc to form. To
minimize this risk, Teledyne Paradise Datacom requires all waveguide be pressurized and dehydrated.
Outdoor SSPAs, General Information (216595-1)
8 of 10

When working with high power amplifier systems that operate into waveguide, the inadvertent creation of arcs is always a
concern. An arc in waveguide is the air discharge breakdown due to the ionization of the air molecules by electrons. This
breakdown in waveguide occurs when the rate of electron production becomes greater than the loss of electrons to diffusion
to the surrounding walls.
It is extremely difficult to precisely predict the power levels at which the breakdown occurs. It is dependent on a variety of
factors but the primary factors are:
Waveguide temperature and atmospheric pressure
Components in the Waveguide Transmission System such as: Flanges, Bends, Tees, Combiners, Filters, Isolators,
etc.
Load VSWR presented to the amplifier.
When operating such a high power amplifier system it is imperative that the waveguide transmission system be dehydrated
and pressurized. Operation with an automatic air dehydrator will provide dry pressurized air to ensure that condensation
cannot form in the waveguide. Also the higher the pressure that can be maintained in the waveguide; the higher the power
handling is in the waveguide system. Most commonly available air dehydrators are capable of providing pressures of 0.5 to
7.0 psig (25-362 mmHg).
At low power levels (uniform field distribution), low pressure can give good results. For non-uniform conditions, highly
localized breakdown can occur. In this case the waveguide system will require much higher pressure. This occurs with
bends, waveguide flange joints. If line currents flow across a small gap introduced by poor tolerances, flange mismatch,
poorly soldered bends, field strengths in excess of that in the main line can occur in the gap. Pressurization with air or high
dielectric gases can increase the power handling by factors of 10 to 100.
In High Power Amplifier systems an arc will travel from where it is ignited back to the amplifier. Typical arc travel speed is on
the order of 20 ft/sec. Increasing the waveguide pressure can reduce the speed of arc travel. It is difficult to get an accurate
calculation of the amount of pressurization needed, but it is a good practice to get as much pressure as your system can
handle. All high power systems that meet the criteria of Table 1 are pressure tested at the factory to 1.5 psig.
Important! As a guide we recommend using the power levels in Table 1 as the threshold levels where
special attention be given to dehydration and the overall simplification of waveguide system design.
Table 1: Recommended Output Power Thresholds
Satcom Band Frequency Range Amplifier Output Power Waveguide
S Band 1.7-2.6 GHz > 10 kW WR430
C-Band 5.7 - 6.7 GHz > 2 kW WR137
X-Band 7.9-8.4 GHz > 1kW WR112
Ku-Band 13.75-14.5 GHz > 500W WR75
Ka-Band 27-31 GHz > 100W WR28
It is a common misconception to look up the maximum theoretical power handling of a particular type of waveguide and
assume that this is the maximum power handling. This may be the case for a straight waveguide tube with ideal terminations
but these values must be significantly de-rated in practical systems. Phase combined amplifier systems can be particularly
sensitive to the potential for waveguide arcing. This is due to the numerous bends, magic tees, multiple waveguide flange
joints, and other waveguide components. Table 2 shows the power handling capability of some popular waveguide
components normalized to the waveguide power rating. From this table, we can see how a practical waveguide system's
power handling will de-rate significantly.
Table 2: De-rating of W/G Components Relative to Straight W/G
Waveguide Component Relative Power Rating
H Plane Bend 0.6 to 0.9
E Plane Bend 0.97
90-Degree Twist 0.8 to 0.9
Magic Tee 0.80
E-Plane Tee 0.06
H-Plane Tee 0.80
Outdoor SSPAs, General Information (216595-1)
9 of 10

Cross Guide Coupler 0.21
Most waveguide systems have many of these components integrated before reaching the antenna feed. It is not uncommon
for a Satcom waveguide network to de-rate to 5% of the straight waveguide power rating.
The load VSWR also has an impact on the breakdown threshold in waveguide networks. Standing waves degrade the power
handling of any transmission line network. The graph of Figure 4 shows the rapid degradation of waveguide breakdown vs.
load VSWR. The chart shows that for a 2.0:1 load VSWR, the breakdown potential will be half of what it would be with a
perfectly matched load. This can degrade even more when high Q elements such as band pass filters are included in the
waveguide network.
Figure 1: Degradation of Breakdown Power by VSWR
There are many factors to consider with high power amplifier systems in terms of the output waveguide network. Especially
when using HPA systems with output power levels of Table 2, it is imperative to ensure that the output waveguide network is
pristinely clean and dry. An appropriate dehydrator should be used with capability of achieving adequate pressure for the
system's output power. Take extra precaution to make sure that any waveguide flange joints that are not already in place at
the factory are properly cleaned, gasket fitted, and aligned. A properly designed and maintained waveguide network will
ensure that no arcing can be supported and will provide many years of amplifier service life.
Teledyne Paradise Datacom
Drawing Number 216595-1 Revision -
RA 7714
Last Modified: 06 November 2019
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED!
You can view the latest revision of this manual section on the Teledyne Paradise Datacom web site:
http://www.paradisedatacom.com/xml/216595/216595-1.xml
USE AND DISCLOSURE OF DATA
EAR99 Technology Subject to Restrictions Contained in http://www.paradisedatacom.com/xml/216594/216594-1.xml.
Outdoor SSPAs, General Information (216595-1)
10 of 10

Teledyne Paradise Datacom
Drawing Number: 208495-1 Revision Y
ECO 18899
28 January 2020
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED!
You can view the latest revision of this manual section on the Teledyne Paradise Datacom web site:
http://www.paradisedatacom.com/xml/208495/208495-1.xml
USE AND DISCLOSURE OF DATA
EAR99 Technology Subject to Restrictions Contained in http://www.paradisedatacom.com/xml/216594/216594-1.xml.
Unit Description, Compact Outdoor SSPA (208495-1)
1 of 13

This section provides information for the initial inspection, installation, external connections, and shipment of the Compact
Outdoor SSPA unit.
Unit Description, Compact Outdoor SSPA (208495-1)
2 of 13

When the unit is received, an initial inspection should be completed. Ensure that the shipping container is not damaged. If it
is, have a representative from the shipping company present when the container is opened. Perform a visual inspection of
the Compact Outdoor Amplifier to make sure that all items on the packing list are enclosed. If any damage has occurred or if
items are missing, contact:
Teledyne Paradise Datacom
328 Innovation Park, Suite 100
State College, PA 16803
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Unit Description, Compact Outdoor SSPA (208495-1)
3 of 13

The following section details the connector pin-outs for the Compact Outdoor SSPA. Figure 1 shows a typical example of the
overall dimensioned outline of a C-Band GaN Compact Outdoor Amplifier. Dimensions to the RF output flange may vary
based on unit options. Refer to the outline drawing for the individual unit.
Figure 1: Outline Drawing, Compact Outdoor SSPA, C-Band (typical)
RF Input (J1) [N-type (F)]
The RF Input connector is a type N female connector. The Compact Outdoor SSPA has a default maximum nominal gain of
75 dB minimum. Therefore the maximum input signal required to saturate the amplifier can be calculated as:
Input Power = Psat - 75 dB
For example, if a 50 W Ku-Band Compact Outdoor amplifier is used in a system it has a Psat = 47.0 dBm. Therefore the
maximum input power should be limited to -28 dBm. Slightly higher input power levels will not damage the amplifier but will
result in higher levels of distortion in the output signal.
WARNING! The maximum input level should be limited to +15 dBm to avoid damaging the amplifier.
Figure 2 shows the input side of the Compact Outdoor Amplifier. This side contains the RF input (J1), M&C input (J4), and
the Interface connections (J5, J6).
Figure 2: Outline Drawing, Input Side, Compact Outdoor SSPA
RF Output (J2)
Unit Description, Compact Outdoor SSPA (208495-1)
4 of 13

The RF Output is brought out through waveguide in the Compact Outdoor Amplifier. Figure 3 shows the output of a C-Band
Compact Outdoor Amplifier. The Ku-Band amplifiers have a WR75 grooved flange, while the C-Band and X-Band amplifiers
have CPR style grooved flanges (CPRG-137 for C-Band; CPRG-112 for X-Band). Ka-Band amplifiers utilize a WR28
grooved flange. S-Band units are fitted with Type N (F) connectors at the RF Output.
Figure 3: Outline Drawing, RF Output Side, Compact Outdoor SSPA (C-Band shown)
RF Hazards apply! Never look into an open waveguide when the amplifier is operating.
Caution should be observed here to ensure that the antenna or a suitable termination is connected to this port before
operating the amplifier. The amplifier is protected against full reflection but dangerous levels of microwave energy can be
present at this port.
RF Output Sample Port (J3) [N-type (F)]
The RF Output Sample port, J3, is located on the bottom of the amplifier as shown in Figure 4. This connector provides a -40
dBc sample of the amplifier's output signal. It is a N-type female connector.
Figure 4: Outline Drawing, Bottom View, Compact Outdoor SSPA
M&C Connector (J4) [MS3112E18-32S]
The M&C, Monitor and Control, connector is the primary input for controlling the amplifier and monitoring fault conditions. It is
a 32-pin circular connector, MS3112E18-32S. It requires a mating connector, MS3116F18-32P, which is supplied with the
unit. The pin-out for this connector is described in Table 1.
Note: Different manufacturers of the MS3116F18-32P circular connector use different labeling
conventions, and pin "j" may appear to be pin "I". This manual uses the convention of pin "j".
See the SSPA Operational Basics section for details on special functions available on Port J4.
Table 1: M&C Port (J4) Pin-Outs
Unit Description, Compact Outdoor SSPA (208495-1)
5 of 13

Signal Type Function Pin Notes
Mute Input Closure to
Ground Disables DC Power to HPA B Unit powers up muted; This line must be pulled
to ground (V) to enable amplifier
Auxiliary Input Closure to
Ground Auxiliary Input P
Summary Alarm Form C Relay Closed on Fault L L-a : normally open
Summary Alarm Form C Relay Common a
Summary Alarm Form C Relay Open on Fault b a-b : normally closed
Auxiliary Alarm Form C Relay Closed on Fault N N-Z : normally open
Auxiliary Alarm Form C Relay Common Z
Auxiliary Alarm Form C Relay Open on Fault M Z-M : normally closed
Low RF Fault Output Open
Collector High on Fault G Requires external pull-up
10 Base-T TX- W See the Remote Control Protocol Section
10 Base-T RX- H
10 Base-T RX+ J
10 Base-T TX+ X
Spare Input Analog Input S +5V max.
RF Power Detector Analog
Output
Relative Indication of RF
Output Power R +4 VDC at Psat (RF Power Detector)
Fan Speed Control Analog
Output Fan Speed Control R No Connection (GaN units only)
Fan Alarm Analog
Output Fan Alarm R (Ka-Band units only)
Gain Adjust Input Analog Input Adjust amplifier gain over
20 dB range A2.5 VDC = Max Gain 75 dB; 0.5 VDC = Min Gain 55 dB
Block Up Converter
Alarm
Open
Collector High on Fault f Requires external pull-up
RS-232/RS-485
Select
Closure to
Ground
Selects Serial
Communication DDefault is RS-485; pull to ground (d) to enable RS-232
RS-485 TX- or
RS-232 OUT
Serial TX
Output Serial Link Data Port E See the Remote Control Protocol Section
RS-485 RX- or
RS-232 IN
Serial RX
Input Serial Link Data Port F See the Remote Control Protocol Section
RS-485 TX + Serial TX
Output Serial Link Data Port T See the Remote Control Protocol Section
RS-485 RX+ Serial RX
Input Serial Link Data Port U See the Remote Control Protocol Section
Ground Signal
Ground Common Signal Return V Chassis Ground
Ground Signal
Ground Isolated Common Ground d Ground for Signals D, E & F
Baud Select 0 Closure to
Ground
Select Baud Rate and
Protocol j See Operational Basics Section, Table 1
Baud Select 1 Closure to
Ground
Select Baud Rate and
Protocol e See Operational Basics Section, Table 1
PGM Switch Flash Firmware Port g Reserved for Programming
PGM CLK Flash Firmware Port c Reserved for Programming
PGM-Sout Flash Firmware Port K Reserved for Programming
PGM-Sin Flash Firmware Port Y Reserved for Programming
PGM +5V Flash Firmware Port h Reserved for Programming
Unit Description, Compact Outdoor SSPA (208495-1)
6 of 13

PGM Enable Flash Firmware Port C Reserved for Programming
Note: See previous revisions of this manual for units with serial numbers less than 300000.
Link Port (J5) [MS3112E10-6S]
The interface connector is used to connect between two Compact Outdoor Amplifiers when used in a 1:1 redundant system.
It is a 6 pin circular connector, MS3112E10-6S. It requires a mating connector, MS3116F10-6P. A link cable is provided with a
1:1 Redundancy Kit which can be purchased separately. See Table 2.
Table 2: Link Port (J5) Pin-Outs
Pin # on J5 Connection
ALINK OUT
B LINK IN
C, D, E NO CONNECTION
FGND
Switch Port (J6) [MS3112E10-6S]
When used in a 1:1 redundant system, the waveguide switch must be connected to the switch port of each amplifier
(MS3112E10-6S). See Table 2-2. It mates with MS3116F10-6P.
Table 3: Switch Port (J6) Pin-Outs
Pin # on J6 Connection
A, B, D NO CONNECTION
C +28 VDC
EPOS 2
FPOS 1
Prime Power Connection (J7) [MS3102E20-3P]
The AC Input connector, J7, is located on the bottom side of the Compact Outdoor Amplifier package (see Figure 2-4). There
are also two alternate placements for this connector on the RF Output end of the amplifier as shown in Figure 2-3. This
connector is a 3-pin circular connector, MS3102E20-3P. The mating connector (MS3106E20-3S) is shipped with the unit. The
pin out for this connector is given in Table 2-3.
Table 4: AC Line Input Connector (J7) Pin-Outs
Pin # on J7 Connection
AL1
BGND
CL2/N
WARNING! Always terminate the RF input and output connectors prior to applying prime AC input
power!
The power supplies provide universal AC input by using auto-sensing power supplies. The AC input can operate over a
range of 90-265 VAC, at 47 to 63 Hz. The power supply is also power factor corrected, enabling the unit to achieve a power
factor greater than 0.93.
Unit Description, Compact Outdoor SSPA (208495-1)
7 of 13

Refer to the unit's specification sheet for information regarding prime power vs. RF output power. The specification sheet
shows whether your unit operates at 90-265 VAC or 180-265 VAC. An option for 110 VAC prime power is available for the
higher-powered units.
Leakage current may exceed 3.5 mA. A connection to earth ground must be made prior to connecting AC mains. Likewise,
when removing AC mains, keep earth ground connected.
For the connection to earth ground, use a 12 AWG cable, UL rated for outdoor use. Connect to the chassis ground stud
using the supplied hardware. Tighten all hardware securely with a wrench.
AC Power Cable Construction
Construct an AC power cable using the supplied MS3106E20-3S mating connector for J7. Use a three-conductor, 25A, 12
AWG cable, UL rated for outdoor use. When constructing the cable, discard the connector grommet, but keep the plastic
ferrule. Connect the black conductor to terminal A (L1) of the connector, the white conductor to terminal C (L2/N) of the
connector, and the green (protective earth ground) connector to terminal B (GND) of the connector. Tighten the metal end-
bell and fill with potting compound.
WARNING! The protective earth pin B must be connected to AC mains earth for both safety and EMC
regulation compliance.
Note: For safety purposes, an isolation switch may be included in the power cable to serve as a
disconnect device in the event of an emergency or for unit servicing. The amplifier itself has no on/off
switch. As soon as AC power is applied to the unit, the unit's power supplies and microcontroller are
enabled. The internal amplifier module is disabled until the Mute Line Input (J4, Pin B) is pulled to Ground
(J4, Pin V).
DC Input Option [MS3102E-20-29P]
The Compact Outdoor Amplifier can also be configured with a DC Input Voltage power supply. The DC Input Voltage can
range from 42-60 VDC. When using a DC input voltage the input power connector, J7, is configured per Table 5. The mating
connector (MS3106F20-29S) is supplied with the unit.
Table 5: Optional DC Input Connector, MS3102E-20-29P
Pin # on J7 Connection
B+48V
C+48V
D+48V
K-48V
L-48V
M-48V
NGND
DC Input Option, 300W C-Band Unit
The 300W C-Band Compact Outdoor SSPA can be configured with a DC Input Voltage power supply. The DC Input Voltage
can range from 42-60 VDC. When using a DC input voltage, the circular MIL connector (MS3102E-20-15P), J7, is configured
per Table 6. The mating connector (MS3106F20-15S) is supplied with the unit.
Table 6: Optional DC Input Connector, MS3102E-20-15P, 300W C-Band SSPA
Pin # on J7 Connection
A No Connection
B +48V
C +48V
D-48V
E-48V
Unit Description, Compact Outdoor SSPA (208495-1)
8 of 13