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Operations Manual, HPA2, Compact Outdoor SSPA 205486 REV F 25
3.0 Introduction
This section of the manual describes the operation of the Compact Outdoor Solid State Power
Amplifier. The Compact Outdoor unit has been designed for maximum flexibility in amplifier
system configuration. It has a full compliment of parallel I/O monitor and control signals as
well as serial I/O capability using a PC and host communication software from Paradise
Datacom LLC. Table 3-1 shows the pin out of the Monitor and Control connector, J4.
3.1 RF Input (J1)
The RF Input signal is applied to J1. 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 = P
sat
- 75 dB
For example, if a 50 W Ku Band Compact Outdoor amplifier is used in a system it has a
P
sat
= 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.
3.2 RF Output (J2)
The amplifier’s output is taken from the waveguide port, J2. Caution should be observed here
to make sure 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.
WARNING! Never look directly into the RF output waveguide.
3.3 Amplifier Enable (Mute/Unmute) (J4)
The Compact Outdoor Amplifier has no on/off switch or circuit breaker in the AC Input path.
As soon as AC power is applied to J7, the unit’s power supplies and microcontroller are
enabled. The operator will be able to observe the forced convection cooling fans running.
However, the internal amplifier module is disabled until the Mute Line Input (J4 – Pin B) is
pulled to Ground (J4 – Pin V).
If it is desired to have the RF enabled every time the AC input is applied, a permanent
connection can be made from J4-Pin B and Pin V.
Section 3: Operation