Norsat Secures $6.3M Order from Harris for ATOM Series 100W Ku-band Solid State Power Amplifiers

Norsat is a subcontractor to Harris to provide Ku-Band SSPAs for a system that upconverts and amplifies L-Band composite signals. Each Harris system replaces nine large racks of legacy equipment with an array of twenty-four 100W Ku-band ATOM SSPAs that offer smaller size, lower power consumption, better heat dissipation, and greater reliability. The production award from Harris follows the successful evaluation of prototype SSPAs and completion of a prototype system test.

Harris chose the Norsat ATOM series SSPAs based on the technology’s ability to meet challenging RF performance requirements for linearity, gain flatness, and phase matching without the need for extensive modification. The unique phase matching of the ATOM SSPA allowed Harris to design hot-swap capability. ATOM’s low power consumption and heat dissipation eliminated the need for a costly forced-air-plenum cooling system. ATOM’s compact size, remote control capability, and low lifecycle costs were additional features that differentiated it from other SSPAs.

“Harris solicited multiple SSPA suppliers. The Norsat ATOM SSPAs were the only product able to meet our rigid requirements,” said Bob Howley, Integrated Process Team Lead. “Harris performed extensive testing on the ATOM SSPA product and is very pleased with its excellent performance and unique capabilities.”

“Norsat is honored to be working with an industry leader like Harris to provide a key component for their systems,” said Norsat President & CEO, Dr. Amiee Chan. “Norsat’s ATOM technology was acquired as part of the business acquisition in April 2013 which included SSPAs and BUCs as well as our new Satcom Baseband Kits and 45 and 60 cm X and Ku-band portable manpack terminals.”