Giga-tronics GT-1051A Operation Manual

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

Operation Manual

GT-1051A 10 MHz to 50 GHz

Microwave Power Amplifier

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

Warranty

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifiers are
warranted against defective materials and workmanship for
one year from date of shipment. Giga-tronics will at its option
repair or replace products that are proven defective during
the warranty period. This warranty DOES NOT cover damage
resulting from improper use, nor workmanship other than
Giga-tronics service. There is no implied warranty of fitness
for a particular purpose, nor is Giga-tronics liable for any
consequential damages. Specification and price change
privileges are reserved by Giga-tronics.

All technical data and specifications in this publication are subject to change without prior notice and do not
represent a commitment on the part of Giga-tronics, Incorporated.

© 2011 Giga-tronics Incorporated. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Giga-tronics, Incorporated

4650 Norris Canyon Road

San Ramon, California 94583

Telephone: [phone] (only within the United States)

925.328.4650

Fax: [phone]

On the Internet: www.gigatronics.com

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

Regulatory Compliance Information

This product complies with the essential requirements of the following applicable European
Directives, and carries the CE mark accordingly.

89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC EMC Directive and Low Voltage Directive

EN61010-1 (1993) Electrical Safety

EN61326-1 (1997) EMC – Emissions and Immunity

Manufacturer’s Name: Manufacturer’s Address

Giga-tronics, Incorporated 4650 Norris Canyon Road

San Ramon, California 94583

U.S.A.

Type of Equipment: Model Series Number

Microwave Power Amplifier GT-1051A

Model Numbers:

Not applicable

Declaration of Conformity on file. Contact Giga-tronics at the following;

Giga-tronics, Incorporated

4650 Norris Canyon Road

San Ramon, California 94583

Telephone: [phone] (only within the United States)

925.328.4650

Fax: [phone]

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

TPCI

Number

TPCI Issue

Date

Date Entered

Comments

Record of Changes to This Manual

Use the table below to maintain a permanent record of changes to this document. Replacement pages will be
issued as a TPCI (Technical Publication Change Instruction).

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 SAFETY AND MANUAL CONVENTIONS .................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Personal Safety Alert ....................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Equipment Safety Alert .................................................................................................................................... 1

1.3 Notes ................................................................................................................................................................ 1

1.4 Electrical Safety Precautions ........................................................................................................................... 2

1.5 Important Operating Instructions ................................................................................................................... 2

CHAPTER 2 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 3

2.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................................................... 3

2.1.1 Features and Benefits of the GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier ..................................................... 3

2.2 Controls, Indicators, and Connectors .............................................................................................................. 4

2.3 Receiving and Inspection ................................................................................................................................. 6

2.4 Prepare the GT-1051A for Use ........................................................................................................................ 7

2.4.1 Cooling ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

2.4.2 AC Power Requirements........................................................................................................................... 7

2.5 Shipping, Repair, and Calibration .................................................................................................................... 7

2.5.1 Shipping the GT-1051A ............................................................................................................................. 7

2.5.2 Repairs ...................................................................................................................................................... 8

2.5.3 Calibration ................................................................................................................................................ 8

CHAPTER 3 OPERATION ..................................................................................................................................... 9

3.1 Operating Safety and Instructions ................................................................................................................... 9

CHAPTER 4 PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION ............................................................................................................ 10

4.1 Specifications ................................................................................................................................................. 10

4.2 Performance Verification .............................................................................................................................. 15

4.2.1 Equipment and Material ........................................................................................................................ 15

APPENDIX A OPTIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 18

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

List of Figures

Figure 1: GT-1051A Front Panel ................................................................................................................................ 4

Figure 2: GT-1051A Rear Panel .................................................................................................................................. 4

Figure 3: DC Power Input ........................................................................................................................................... 5

Figure 4: DET Connector ............................................................................................................................................ 5

Figure 5: S21 (typical) .............................................................................................................................................. 13

Figure 6: Group Delay (typical) ................................................................................................................................ 13

Figure 7: S11, S22 (typical) ...................................................................................................................................... 14

Figure 8: Saturated Output Power (typical) ............................................................................................................ 14

Figure 9: GT-1051A Performance Verification Setup .............................................................................................. 15

List of Tables

Table 1: GT-1051A Front Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connections .................................................................... 5

Table 2: GT-1051A Rear Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connections ..................................................................... 5

Table 3: Receiving and Inspection of the GT-1051A .................................................................................................. 6

Table 4: Operate the GT-1051A ................................................................................................................................. 9

Table 5: Frequency Range ....................................................................................................................................... 10

Table 6: Output Power ............................................................................................................................................ 10

Table 7: Gain Flatness .............................................................................................................................................. 11

Table 8: Input and Output VSWR ............................................................................................................................ 11

Table 9: Additional Specifications ........................................................................................................................... 11

Table 10: General Specifications ............................................................................................................................. 12

Table 11: Supplemental Data .................................................................................................................................. 12

Table 12: GT-1051A Performance Verification Procedure ...................................................................................... 16

Table 13: Performance Verification Measurements ............................................................................................... 17

Table 14: GT-1051A Options ................................................................................................................................... 18

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier Safety and Manual Conventions

WARNING

CAUTION

Chapter 1 Safety and Manual Conventions

This manual contains conventions regarding safety and equipment usage as described below.

1.1 Personal Safety Alert

WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.

1.2 Equipment Safety Alert

CAUTION: Indicates a situation which can damage or adversely affect the
GT-1051A or associated equipment.

1.3 Notes

Notes are denoted and used as follows:

NOTE: Highlights or amplifies an essential operating or maintenance procedure, practice, condition or
statement.

Review this manual to become familiar with the instrument safety markings and instructions before
operation.

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011 1

Safety and Manual Conventions Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifiers

1.4 Electrical Safety Precautions

Any servicing instructions are for use by service-trained personnel only. To avoid personal injury, do not

perform any service unless you are qualified to do so.

For continued protection against fire hazard, replace the AC line fuse only with a fuse of the same current

rating and type. Do not use repaired fuses or short circuited fuse holders.

1.5 Important Operating Instructions

The GT-1051A Amplifier does not include an enable/disable feature to activate and deactivate the amplifier.

When connecting or disconnecting the output of the amplifier, ensure that the power switch on the rear of
the amplifier is in the OFF position.

When connecting the amplifier to a transmitting device, observe all safety procedures to ensure that the

amplifier isn’t interfering with other systems in the area. High power microwaves can adversely affect power

sensitive instruments in the area of transmission.

Exercise precautions to avoid exposure to radiated microwave energy at all times.

2 Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier Introduction

Chapter 2 Introduction

2.1 Overview

The Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifiers are high-performance solid-state microwave power
amplifiers. The Giga-tronics GT-1051A provide excellent pulse fidelity, low intermodulation distortion, high
linearity and superior gain flatness without the warm-up time, drift or aging issues of traveling wave tube
amplifiers (TWTA). They feature low noise figure, low harmonics and spurious content, and are highly tolerant
to load mismatch.

GT-1051A:

Frequency Range: 10 MHz to 50 GHz.

2.4 mm (f) input and output connectors.

2.1.1 Features and Benefits of the GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

25 dB nominal gain over the 10 MHz to 50 GHz frequency range.
Ideal for testing in R&D labs, ATE systems, wireless communications applications and defense EW

systems.

Small size allows easily placing the amplifier close to the device under test.

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011 3

Introduction Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

2.2 Controls, Indicators, and Connectors

The following pages describe all of the features shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

Figure 1: GT-1051A Front Panel

Figure 2: GT-1051A Rear Panel

4 Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier Introduction

GT-1051A Front Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connections

Name

Function

Power on LED

Extinguished when DC power is not applied
Illuminated green when DC power is applied

OUTPUT

(RF output connector)

2.92 mm (f) to 2.4 mm (m) adapter available

GT-1051A: 2.4 mm (f)

GT-1051A Rear Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connections

Name

Function

+9V

DC power input from the AC/DC switching adapter. See Figure below.

Figure 3: DC Power Input

Power On/Off switch

Switches the unit on and off.

INPUT

(RF input connector)

2.92 mm (f) to 2.4 mm (m) adapter available (contact factory)

GT-1051A: 2.4 mm (f)

DET

Power output detector output
NOTE: The Detector output provides a differential DC output voltage

proportional to the amplifier output power level and can be used directly
as an indication of the presence of output power, or can be used
for power measurement with the appropriate calibration. The detector
output is frequency dependant, and must be calibrated for each test
frequency and power level. In an ATE environment, calibration of the
detector is not complicated and may be as simple as measuring the
differential output voltage at each test frequency and power level. A
look-up table or curve-fit can then be used to provide a measure of
power delivered.

Figure 4: DET Connector

Fan

Cooling fan for unit

The tables below describe the functions of the features shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 on the previous page.

Table 1: GT-1051A Front Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connections

Table 2: GT-1051A Rear Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connections

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011 5

Introduction Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

Receiving and Inspection of the GT-1051A

Step

Action

1.

Before opening the shipping container, inspect it for any signs of damage.
If THERE IS evidence of damage; record the location and extent of the damage and contact the

shipper immediately to report the damage.
If there is NO EVIDENCE of damage; continue to the next step.

2.

Open the shipping container and inspect the contents for evidence of damage. The contents
should include the following:

GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier
Operation Manual
AC line cord
AC/DC switching adapter

If any of the contents are damaged or missing, contact Giga-tronics immediately. Refer to the
Contact Information on the inside of the front cover of this manual.

End of procedure

2.3 Receiving and Inspection

Follow the procedure in Table 3 for receiving and inspecting the GT-1051A.

Table 3: Receiving and Inspection of the GT-1051A

6 Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier Introduction

2.4 Prepare the GT-1051A for Use

2.4.1 Cooling

The GT-1051A has an internal cooling fan. The air intake is located on the rear panel of the instrument. When
using the GT-1051A, ensure there are no obstructions to the flow of air into or out of the instrument.

2.4.2 AC Power Requirements

AC Power Requirements: See Table 10 on page 12

2.5 Shipping, Repair, and Calibration

2.5.1 Shipping the GT-1051A

If it is necessary to ship the GT-1051A, observe the following:

Use the best packaging materials available. If possible, reuse the original shipping container.
If the original shipping container is not available, use a strong carton (350 lbs./sq. in. bursting strength) or a

wooden box.

Wrap the amplifier in heavy paper or plastic before placing it into the shipping container.
Completely fill the areas on all sides of the amplifier with packaging material. Take extra precaution to

protect the front and rear panels.

Seal the package with strong tape or metal bands. Mark the outside of the package clearly, and in bold type,

as follows:

FRAGILE — DELICATE INSTRUMENT

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011 7

Introduction Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

Contacting Giga-tronics Customer Service

Email

[e-mail]

Telephone (within the United States)

800.726.4442

Telephone

925.328.4702

Fax

925.328.4702

2.5.2 Repairs

The Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier is a robust instrument that has been designed and
built for years of trouble-free service. However, if you experience problems with the instrument, do the
following:

1. Contact your local Giga-tronics sales office, or the factory, and be prepared to provide the model, serial

number, and any included options of your amplifier, and a description of the problem. To contact the
factory directly, use the following information:

2. If it is has been determined that you must ship the GT-1051A to the factory or a service center for

repair, you will be issued a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Use the RMA number in all
correspondence regarding the repair.

3. Pack the GT-1051A for shipment as described in the previous section, and enclose all relevant

information regarding the problem.

4. Ship the GT-1051A to the address provided by Giga-tronics Customer Service.

2.5.3 Calibration

The GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier does not require calibration. There are no adjustments. For more
information, contact Giga-tronics.

8 Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier Operation

DO NOT EXCEED AN INPUT LEVEL OF +20 dBm INTO THE GT-1051A. EXCEEDING
THIS LEVEL CAN DAMAGE THE GT-1051A MICROWAVE POWER AMPLIFIER.

WHEN ENERGIZED, THE GT-1051A IS CAPABLE OF SUPPLYING POWER THAT
CAN CAUSE DAMAGE OR INJURY. TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS TO
ENSURE SAFE SETUP AND OPERATION:

Verify that all cables, connectors, and equipment connected to the

GT-1051A are in good condition.

Do not make connections to equipment while the output of any item of

equipment is energized.

Operate the GT-1051A

Step

Action

1.

Verify that the POWER switch on the rear of the unit is OFF.
Plug the included external power supply into a source of AC power that meets the

specifications for power in Table 10 on page 12.

Plug the DC cable from the external power supply into the connector +9 V on the rear of the

unit.

Put the POWER switch on the GT-1051A in the ON position.

NOTE: For best results, let the GT-1051A warm up for one minute after switching the AC
power ON.

2.

Verify that the output of the microwave signal source is NOT energized before continuing to
the next step.

3.

Connect the equipment to the GT-1051A according to your application.
NOTE: Verify all mating connectors are 50 Ohm, and that they are in good condition.

4.

Energize the output of the microwave signal source.

5.

Adjust the output of the microwave signal source until the output from the GT-1051A is at the
desired level.

End of Procedure

CAUTION

WARNING

Chapter 3 Operation

3.1 Operating Safety and Instructions

Table 4: Operate the GT-1051A

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011 9

Performance Verification Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

Frequency Range

Model

Specification

GT-1051A

10 MHz to 50 GHz

GT-1050A

2 GHz to 50 GHz

Output Power

Parameter

Specification

10 MHz to 100 MHz

+24 dBm (250 mW) typical

100 MHz to 2 GHz

+27 dBm (500 mW) typical

2 to 10 GHz

+30 dBm (1 Watt) typical, +26 dBm (400 mW) minimum

10 to 30 GHz

+28 dBm (600 mW) typical, +25 dBm (300 mW) minimum

30 to 40 GHz

+27 dBm (500 mW) typical, +23 dBm (200 mW) minimum

40 to 50 GHz

+24 dBm (250 mW) typical, +20 dBm (100 mW) minimum

NOTES:

Output power is specified as minimum saturated power into 50 Ohm load with +5 dBm input,

at 23 °C ± 5 °C.

Input power for normal operation should be limited to +20 dBm maximum.

Chapter 4 Performance Verification

This chapter is divided into two sections:

Specifications: this section contains all of the operating specifications that define the performance of

the GT-1051A.

Performance Verification: this section contains the test procedure that ensures that the

GT-1051A meets the specifications.

4.1 Specifications

NOTE: Graphs of some of the GT-1051A characteristics are on page 13 and 14.

Table 5: Frequency Range

Table 6: Output Power

10 Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier Performance Verification

Gain Flatness

Range

Specifications

10 MHz to 2 GHz

± 3.5 dB typical

2 to 40 GHz

± 5 dB maximum, ± 2.5 dB typical

2 to 50 GHz

± 7 dB maximum, ± 3.5 dB typical

NOTES:

Nominal gain is 25 dB.
Gain flatness is specified as maximum variation with -5 dBm input and 50 Ohm load.

Input and Output VSWR

Connector

Frequency Range

100 MHz to 1 GHz

1 to 2 GHz

2 to 30 GHz

30 to 40 GHz

40 to 50 GHz

Input, 50 ohms

2.3:1 typical

2.0:1 typical

1.5:1 typical

2.0:1 typical

2.3:1 typical

Output, 50 ohms

4.5:1 typical

2.9:1 typical

2.0:1 typical

2.3:1 typical

2.9:1 typical

Additional Specifications

Parameter

Specification

Stability

Unconditionally Stable

Maximum Load VSWR

3:1

Harmonic Distortion*

< -30 dBc typical

Spurious*

< -60 dBc typical

Noise Figure

< 10 dB typical, < 14 dB maximum

* Harmonics measured at +10 dBm output power. Spurious measured at -5 dBm input power
level

Table 7: Gain Flatness

Table 8: Input and Output VSWR

Table 9: Additional Specifications

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011 11

Performance Verification Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

General Specifications

Parameter

Specification

Operating Temperature

0 °C to +50 °C

Storage Temperature

-20 °C to +75 °C

Cooling

Forced air

Dimensions

2.75 inches H x 5.0 inches D x 5.5 inches W
(70 mm H x 127 mm D x 140 mm W)

Weight

4.5 lbs (2 kg)

RF Connectors

2.4 mm (f)

External Power Supply

AC line input

100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz, 0.7 A, Single
Phase

DC output

9.0 V, 2.77 A, 25 W maximum

Supplemental Data

Parameter

Specification

Operating Temperature

0 °C to 55 °C

Maximum input power
(RF)

+20 dBm
DC power dissipation

9 V/1.5 A

Input connector

2.92 mm (f) to 2.4 mm (m) adapter available

2.4 mm (f)

Output connector

2.92 mm (f) to 2.4 mm (m) adapter available

2.4 mm (f)

Table 10: General Specifications

Table 11: Supplemental Data

12 Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier Performance Verification

Figure 5: S21 (typical)

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011 13

Figure 6: Group Delay (typical)

Performance Verification Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

Figure 7: S11, S22 (typical)

Figure 8: Saturated Output Power (typical)

14 Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier Performance Verification

4.2 Performance Verification

This section describes how to test the GT-1051A to verify that it meets Giga-tronics specifications.

The overall operation of the GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier is checked using a broadband signal
source, power sensor, and a power meter.

The test setup is shown in Figure 9. The procedure is shown in Table 12 and starts on page 16.

4.2.1 Equipment and Material

Signal source: Giga-tronics 2550B 50 GHz Microwave Signal Generator or equivalent
Power meter: Giga-tronics 8651B or 8652B Power Meter or equivalent
Power sensor: Giga-tronics 81305A, 50 GHz, 2.4 mm or equivalent
Attenuator pad: 10 dB, 50 GHz, 2.4 mm Attenuator Pad
Test cable: 2.4 mm (m), 50 GHz test cable

Figure 9: GT-1051A Performance Verification Setup

Note: Connect test cable between 2550B RF Output and GT-1051A DUT RF Input. Connect the 10 dB
attenuator pad directly to the GT-1051A DUT RF Output and the 81305A 50 GHz Power Sensor following the
10 dB attenuator pad.

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011 15

Performance Verification Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

GT-1051A Performance Verification Procedure

Step

Action

1.

Connect equipment as shown in Figure 9.

2.

Keep equipment powered off until all connections are made.

3.

Always start with signal generator RF Off.

4.

Turn equipment on (with RF Off) and allow to warm up for 30 minutes.

5.

Set signal generator to the first test frequency and RF power level at -20 dBm.

6.

Set power meter to first test frequency.

7.

Set 10 dB Offset on power meter to compensate for 10 dB attenuator pad.

8.

Turn on signal generator RF output and increase RF power level to +5 dBm.

9.

Measure power output from DUT on power meter and record the value.

10.

Set signal generator to the next test frequency

11.

Set power meter to next test frequency.

12.

Measure power output from DUT on power meter and record the value.

13.

Repeat steps 10 thru 12 for all remaining test frequencies.

14.

Verify measured power exceeds minimum power specification.

End of Procedure

Table 12: GT-1051A Performance Verification Procedure

16 Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011

Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier Performance Verification

Frequency

(GHz)

Minimum Power

Output (dBm)

Measured Power

Output (dBm)

Frequency

(GHz)

Min. Power

Output (dBm)

Measured Power

Output (dBm)

0.1

23

1

23

26

20 2

23

27

20 3

23

28

20

4

23

29

20 5

23

30

20

6

23

31

20 7

23

32

20 8

23

33

20

9

23

34

20 10

23

35

20

11

23

36

20 12

23

37

20 13

23

38

20

14

23

39

20

15

23

40

20

16

23

41

20 17

23

42

20

18

23

43

20 19

23

44

20 20

23

45

20

21

23

46

20 22

23

47

20

23

23

48

20 24

23

49

20 25

23

50

20

Serial Number

Table 13: Performance Verification Measurements

Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011 17

Options Giga-tronics GT-1051A Microwave Power Amplifier

GT-1051A Options

Option Number

Description

46

Add Rack Mount Kit

Appendix A Options

This section describes the options that are available for the GT-1051A.

Table 14: GT-1051A Options

18 Operation Manual, Part Number 35019, Rev. A, March 2011