Teledyne Paradise Datacom Brings to Market a Vertically-Integrated 500 watt Ka-band TWTA at IBC



September 12, 2013

Teledyne Paradise Datacom, announced today that it now has available for orders a new compact, outdoor 500 watt Ka-band traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) produced with a fully vertically-integrated manufacturing process. The product is being exhibited this week by the company at IBC 2013 in

Powered by Teledyne’s MEC-5530 500 watt traveling wave tube, the new TWTA shares the same architectural platform with the company’s popular Compact Outdoor SSPA (solid state power amplifier). In addition to the tube, the TWTA’s linearizer, power supply, L-band BUC (block up converter), and all remaining components were produced internally using the broad R&D and manufacturing capabilities of Teledyne Microwave Solutions (TMS).

“This is certainly an exciting milestone for Teledyne Microwave Solutions, its customers, and Ka-band operators worldwide,” said Russell Shaller, President of the Teledyne Microwave Solutions Group. “This product complements our existing portfolio of GaN based ground, mobile, and airborne satellite communication amplifiers. Using Teledyne's field-proven TWT technology, Teledyne Paradise Datacom brings to market a production-ready 500 watt Ka-band TWTA to raise new standards for quality, performance, and reliability in the marketplace.”

The benefits of vertically-integrated manufacturing for complex technology solutions like a high power TWTA can include economies of scale, stable supplies of key components, higher quality control, better integration and control of production processes and delivery timelines, and more effective R&D planning and innovation.

Formed from the consolidation of seven leading microwave companies, TMS offers commercial and military grade solid state and TWT amplifiers and terminals from 4 watts to over 500 watts. By using a highly efficient cooling system and modular construction, TMS has reduced manufacturing costs while improving system reliability. Able to deliver over 175 watts of linear power at the RF output flange, this compact outdoor TWTA is shipping in two frequency ranges: 27.0 – 30.0 GHz or 30.0 – 31.0 GHz. All of the internal components are easily accessible and the cooling system can be maintained without removing the cover of the amplifier, resulting in a very low MTTR.