Amplifier Research 15T4G18
TWT Amplifier, 4.2 - 18 GHz, 15W

Download Product Datasheet

Product Overview

RENT AMPLIFIER RESEARCH 15T4G18

The Amplifier Research 15T4G18 is a self contained, forced air cooled, broadband traveling wave tube (TWT) microwave amplifier designed for applications where low harmonic content is required in sub-band ranges and where wide instantaneous bandwidth, high gain and moderate power output are required. A reliable micro TWT provides a conservative 15 watts minimum at the amplifier output connector, 10 watts in low harmonic modes. Stated power specifications are at the fundamental frequency. 

The 15T4G18 amplifier's front panel digital display shows forward and reflected output plus extensive system status information accessed through a series of menus via soft keys. Status indicators include power on, warm-up, standby, operate, faults, excess reflected power warning and remote. Standard features include a built-in IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface, 0dBm input, VSWR protection, gain control, RF output sample port, plus monitoring of TWT helix current, cathode voltage, collector voltage, heater current, heater voltage, baseplate temperature and cabinet temperature. Modular design of the power supply and RF components allow for easy access and repair. Use of a switching mode power supply results
in significant weight reduction.

Spefications of the AR 15T4G18 TWT Amplifier include:

POWER (fundamental), CW, @ OUTPUT CONNECTOR

• Nominal: 40 watts
• Minimum: 15 watts, 10 watts in low harmonic mode
• Linear @ 1dB Compression: 7 watts minimum

FLATNESS: ±9 dB maximum, 4.2 - 18 GHz ±5dB maximum, 8.0 - 18 GHz

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 4.2 - 18 GHz instantaneously or one of three selectable sub-bands in low harmonic mode

INPUT FOR RATED OUTPUT: 1.0 milliwatt maximum

GAIN (at maximum setting): 41 dB minimum

GAIN ADJUSTMENT (continuous range): 35 dB minimum

INPUT IMPEDANCE:  50 ohms, VSWR 2.0:1 maximum

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 50 ohms, VSWR 2.5:1 typical

MISMATCH TOLERANCE: Output power foldback protection at reflected power exceeding 20 watts (10 watts in low harmonic mode). Will operate without damage or oscillation with any magnitude and phase of source and load impedance. May oscillate with unshielded open due to coupling to input. Should not be tested with connector off.

MODULATION CAPABILITY:  Will faithfully reproduce AM, FM, or pulse modulation appearing on the input signal. AM peak envelope power limited to specified power.

NOISE POWER DENSITY: Minus 80 dBm/Hz (maximum) Minus 90 dBm/Hz (typical)

HARMONIC DISTORTION (in user selectable sub-band (at 10 watts): Minus 20dBc maximum, Minus 30dBc typical

HARMONIC DISTORTION (full band at 15 watts): 

• 4.2 - 4.5 GHz; Minus 0dBc maximum, Minus 1dBc typical
• 4.5 - 5 GHz; Minus 1dBc maximum, Minus 2dBc typical
• 5 - 7 GHz; Minus 2.5dBc maximum, Minus 4dBc typical
• 7- 10 GHz; Minus 5dBc maximum, Minus 9dBc typical
• 10 - 12 GHz; Minus 8dBc maximum, Minus 12dBc typical
• Above 12 GHz; Minus 20dBc maximum, Minus 30dBc typical

PRIMARY POWER: 99-260 VAC 50/60 Hz single phase 600 VA maximum

CONNECTORS

• RF input: Type N female on rear panel
• RF output: Type TNC female on rear panel
• RF output sample port: Type N female on rear panel
• GPIB: IEEE-488 (f)
• Interlock: DB-15 female on rear panel

COOLING: Forced air (self contained fans), air entry and exit in rear.