Milmega Ametek AS, AS0860-50, AS0860-100, AS0860-200, AS0860-30 Operation Manual

AS SERIES POWER AMPLIFIER

Manual number H012649

Any disclosure to third parties, or reproduction by any

means of any part of this manual without the written

Operation Manual

Revision: 1

First edition published 26th April 2018

consent of Milmega, is prohibited.

For Sales

China
AMETEK Commercial Enterprise
(Shanghai) Co. Ltd.

Beijing Branch
Western Section, 2nd Floor
Jing Dong Fang Building (B10)
Chaoyang District
Beijing, China, 100015
T [phone]
[e-mail]

Shanghai Office:

Part A1, A4, 2nd floor, Building No. 1
No. 526 Fute 3rd Road East
Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131,
China
T [phone]

Guangzhou Office:

Room 1410-12, Yian Plaza
33 Jian She Liu Ma Road
Guangzhou, China
T [phone]

Germany
AMETEK CTS Germany GmbH

Lünener Straße 211
59174 Kamen, Deutschland
T [phone]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

Great Britain
AMETEK CTS (UK)
Milmega

Park Road
Ryde
Isle of Wight PO33 2BE
Great Britain
T [phone]
[e-mail]

Japan
AMETEK Co. Ltd.
Tokyo office

3rd floor, Shiba NBF Tower,
1-1-30 Shiba-Daimon, Minato-ku
Tokyo, 105-0012, Japan
T [phone]
[e-mail]

Nagoya Office

1-329 Kifune Meito-ku Nagoya-shi
Aichi-ken, 465-0058, Japan
T [phone]

Poland
AMETEK CTS Germany GmbH

Biuro w Polsce
ul. Ogrodowa 31/35
00-893 Warszawa, Polen
T [phone]
[e-mail]

Singapore
AMETEK Singapore Pte. Ltd.

No. 43 Changi South Avenue 2
#04-01 Singapore 486164
T [phone]
[e-mail]

Taiwan
AMETEK Taiwan Corp. Ltd.

10F-5, No. 120, Sec 2,
GongDaoWu Rd.,
Hsinchu City 30072, Taiwan
T [phone]
[e-mail]

USA
Teseq Inc. / AMETEK CTS

52 Mayfield Avenue
Edison, New Jersey 08837, USA
T [phone]
Toll free: [phone]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

AS Series Manual: H012649 Rev: 1

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Table of Contents

1.

INTRODUCTION 5

1.1

About this manual 5

1.2

Amplifier description 5

2.

SAFETY 6

2.1

General 6

2.2

Safety symbols and terms 6

2.3

Safety precautions 7

3.

INSTALLATION 9

3.1

General 9

3.2

Connecting the line cord 10

3.3

Connecting the chassis ground cable 10

3.4

Connecting the RF cables 10

3.5

Connecting the Safety interlock 10

4.

PROTECTION CIRCUITS 11

4.1 Over Heat Protection 11

4.2 Input Protection 11

4.3 Power Supply Faults 11

4.4

Mismatch Protection 11

5.

AMPLIFIER OPERATION 12

5.1

Safety interlock Operation 12

5.2

Switching on line supply 12

5.3 Cooling Fan Operation 13

5.4

General 13

5.5

Standby / RF On 13

5.6 Reset 14

5.7

Local 14

5.8 Gain Control 14

5.9

GPIB 15

6.

INDICATORS & FUNCTIONS 15

6.1

General 15

6.2 Touch Screen Indication 15

7.

CONNECTIONS 16

7.1

General 16

7.2

RF input, N Type connector 16

7.3

RF output N-Type or 7/16 (Model Dependent) 17

7.4

Sample Ports, N-TYPE Female 17

7.5

Line supply input connector 18

7.6

Safety interlock 18

7.7 IEEE-488 Convector 19

7.8

Ethernet 19

7.9

RS232 Connection 19

7.10 USB Connection 20

7.11 Ground post (8-32 thread) 20

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8.

REMOTE CONTROL CONNECTIONS & OPERATIONS. 21

8.1

Connectors 21

8.2 IEEE 488 Operation 21

8.3 RS-232 Operation 21

8.4

Ethernet Connection 22

8.5 USB Connection 22

8.6

Remote Command Set 23

9.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE 25

9.1

General cleaning 25

9.2

RF connectors 25

9.3

Air-filter cleaning. 25

10. FAULT FINDING 26

10.1 General checks 26

10.2 Fault indications 27

11. WARRANTY 29

11.1 Definitions 29

11.2 Scope 29

11.3 Terms and conditions 29

11.4 Transfer of Warranty 30

11.5 Protection of Warranty 30

11.6 Repair form 31

12. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 32

13. DRAWING SPECIFICATIONS 33

13.1 Fig 1, 4U front Panel & Outline Drawing 33

13.2 Fig 2, 7U Front Panel & Outline Drawing 34

14. DATASHEET SPECIFICATIONS 35

14.1 0.8 to 6.0GHz 30 Watts 35

14.2 0.8 to 6.0GHz 50 Watts 35

14.3 0.8 to 6.0GHz 100 Watts 35

14.4 0.8 to 6.0GHz 200 Watts 35

AS Series Manual: H012649 Rev: 1

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to install or operate the amplifier.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 About this manual

♦CAUTION! This Operation Manual contains important information for
the user of the amplifier. It details important safety information and
hazards that can be encountered by the user, and recommends
precautions that should be taken to prevent damage to the amplifier or
associated equipment. It is important that this Operation Manual
(including any information in the Appendices) is read before attempting

This operation manual contains information that details installation, routine
maintenance and amplifier operation. It does not contain information needed for
servicing or calibration.

1.2 Amplifier description

The Ametek CTS AS amplifier range is designed for laboratory use. The form factor
ranges from 4U and 7U bench top units up to rack mountable 16U or 20U amplifiers.

An AS series amplifier can be remotely controlled via the built in RS232, IEEE 488,
USB or Ethernet amplifier controller. Local control is via a front panel touch screen and
in addition also displays the amplifier status when controlled remotely.

A comprehensive performance and status indicating system is included. These
circuits monitor:

• Interlock circuit status

• Forward power indication

• Reflected power indication

• High VSWR indication

• RF baseplate temperature

• Ambient temperature

• Power supply DC voltage

• Power supply DC current

• Overall status of the amplifier

Visual indications are given. If a fault is detected, the amplifier automatically reverts
into a latched STANDBY condition. It remains in this condition until the fault has been
cleared and the fault latch is reset via the front panel touch screen.

The design of the amplifier is subject to continuous improvement. Consequently, the
amplifier may incorporate minor changes in detail from the information contained in
this manual.

AS Series Manual: H012649 Rev: 1

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manual that deals with a non

-

ionising radiation hazard.

inlet connector.

2. SAFETY

2.1 General

The amplifier described in this manual is designed to be used only by qualified
personnel. Use of the amplifier in a manner not specified in this manual may impair
the protection provided by the amplifier. Before use, inspect the amplifier for damage
which may impair safety.

There are no user-serviceable parts inside the amplifier, and any warranty is rendered
void if the seals on any covers are broken.

The following safety information is intended to protect all installers and operators, and
to prevent damage to the amplifier. It should be read and understood before installing
and operating the amplifier

2.2 Safety symbols and terms

♦CAUTION! statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to
the amplifier or other property.

♦WARNING! statements identify conditions or practices that could result in personal
injury or loss of life.

♦Note statements inform the user of important general information.
♦Hints and tips statements inform the user of useful information and operational

short cuts.
The following symbols appear on the amplifier and in this manual:

When used on the amplifier, warns the user of a non-ionising radiation
hazard. When used in this operation manual, alerts the user to the part of the

or

AS Series Manual: H012649 Rev: 1

When used on the amplifier, directs the user to refer to the operation manual.
When used in this operation manual, alerts the user to ♦WARNING! and
♦CAUTION! statements.

Warns personnel to observe correct lifting practices.

Ground terminal. Connect this terminal to a clean ground to improve EMC
immunity. Although it provides an extra measure of safety, this is not a
protective earth ground. The protective earth ground is the pin on the line

6

2.3 Safety precautions

Observe all the following precautions to ensure personal safety and prevent damage
to the amplifier or equipment connected to it.

♦WARNING! Properly dispose of the amplifier.
The RF amplifier modules in this equipment contain Beryllium Oxide, and other

components contain PTFE. The appropriate precautions and regulations must be
observed concerning the disposal of this amplifier and certain internal components.
Do not crush or incinerate.

♦Note: Beryllium Oxide is a material used in the manufacture of RF devices. Toxic
dust is given off when crushed.

♦Note: PTFE is a material used in the manufacture of certain components within the
amplifier. PTFE gives off toxic gasses when incinerated.

♦WARNING! Do not touch the inner conductor of the RF-output connector.
High voltages can occur on the inner conductor of the RF output connector, or on

cables or antennas connected to it. These can cause RF burns if touched.
♦WARNING! Ground the amplifier.

The amplifier conforms with IEC Safety class 1, meaning that it is provided with a
protective grounding terminal. This is through the line supply cord to the centre pin of
the power inlet connector. To maintain this protection, the line supply cord must
always be connected to the source of line supply via a socket with a grounded contact.
Do this before making connections to the RF-input or RF-output connectors of the
amplifier.

Without the protective ground connection, all parts of the amplifier constitute a
potential shock hazard.

♦WARNING! Use the correct power cord.
Use only the line supply cord and connector specified for the amplifier. Use only a line

supply cord that is in good condition.
♦WARNING! Do not remove covers or panels.

To avoid personal injury, do not operate the amplifier without the panels or covers in
place.

♦WARNING! Do not operate in explosive atmospheres.
The amplifier provides no explosive protection from static discharges or arcing

components. Do not operate the amplifier in an atmosphere of explosive gasses.

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Use the safety interlock facility within danger areas

.

♦CAUTION! Avoid static discharges
The RF input and output connections are static-sensitive and should not be subjected

to static discharge.
♦CAUTION! Use the correct line supply source

It is essential that the amplifier operates from a line supply source that does not apply
voltages and frequencies between the line supply conductors (or between either line
supply conductor and ground) that are outside the range detailed in the specification
sheet.

♦CAUTION! Do not obstruct the circuit breaker.
Ensure that there are no obstructions that impair the operation of the front panel line-

supply circuit breaker(s).
♦CAUTION! Do not obstruct the airflow through the amplifier.

The cooling airflow is drawn in through the front and exhausted at the rear. If this
airflow is obstructed, overheating of the amplifier may occur.

♦CAUTION! Do not operate the amplifier outside its specification.
This may cause the amplifier to malfunction or be damaged.

♦WARNING! Do not touch the exterior of the amplifier (rack mount version)
when in use.

The top and side panels of the amplifier can get hot during use, especially on high
power models.

♦CAUTION! Periodically replace the air-intake filters.
Operating the amplifier with the air filters dirty may cause the amplifier to overheat.

♦CAUTION!

or

Exercise caution when lifting.

The appropriate lifting practices should be observed during transportation, installation,
or removal of the amplifier from its mounting position.

♦WARNING!

Any area where personnel may come into direct contact with high power RF, or be
exposed to non-ionising radiation, should be designated as a danger area. A barrier
should be established around any such area, with a switch in place when the barrier is
broken. This switch can be linked to the safety interlock BNC connector on the
amplifier, thus disabling the amplifier when the barrier is breached. It is the
responsibility of the operator to ensure that the working environment is safe.
The ‘safety interlock’ feature is provided to assist the purchaser in establishing such a
‘safe’ area.

AS Series Manual: H012649 Rev: 1

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is operated in direct sunlight.

3. INSTALLATION

3.1 General

Amplifier models that are very heavy have a caution label on the top cover.
Appropriate lifting practices should be observed during transportation, installation, or
removal of the amplifier from its mounting position. When mounted in a rack, the
amplifier must not be supported by the front panel fixing holes alone. For easier
installation and removal, we recommend that the amplifier is positioned with its top no
more than 1.4 metres above ground level.

♦CAUTION!

or

♦CAUTION!
Do not support the whole weight of the amplifier with the front panel handles

Exercise care when lifting.

These should only be used for sliding the amplifier in and out on the rack.
♦Note: The amplifier may be lifted using the rear protection handles.
The amplifier is designed to be mounted in a 19 inch fixed rack installation. When

mounted in a rack, use a support tray-slider-assembly, especially for heavy amplifier
models. See the section 13 of this manual for details of amplifier dimensions.

♦CAUTION!

Do not obstruct the airflow through the amplifier.

At least 200mm clearance should be allowed behind the amplifier, so that air flow and
connecting cables are not obstructed. An unobstructed area of at least 200mm should
be allowed in front of the amplifier front panel air-intakes.

♦CAUTION!

Even though the ambient air temperature may be within the amplifier’s
specification, the internal temperature may rise above operational limits if it

The cooling airflow is drawn in through the front and exhausted at the rear. If this
airflow is obstructed, overheating of the amplifier may occur. For correct amplifier
operation, airflow through the unit must be maintained.

AS Series Manual: H012649 Rev: 1

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specification sheet.

panel line

-

input circuit breaker(s).

ground pin on the line supply connector(s).

connectors must not be used.

3.2 Connecting the line cord

♦CAUTION!

It is essential that the amplifier operates from a line source that does not
apply voltages and frequencies between the line conductors (or between
either line conductor and ground) that are outside the range detailed in the

♦CAUTION!

Ensure that the line cord does not interfere with the operation of the rear

3.3 Connecting the chassis ground cable

To improve EMC immunity, bond the amplifier to a good ground with a
conductor of 4 sq.mm or the equivalent earth braid, a ground post being
provided for this purpose on the rear panel. Although it provides an extra
measure of safety, this is NOT a protective earth. The protective earth is the

3.4 Connecting the RF cables

♦CAUTION!
Ensure that the RF source is OFF when making connections.

♦CAUTION!
Ensure any cables and connectors mating with the RF input and RF output
connectors are of 50-ohm impedance, and are designed to handle the power
at the frequencies generated by the amplifier. Although very similar, 75-ohm

Use cable with the lowest loss that is practical. The connectors should not be over­tightened, and any tightening instructions for the connector should be observed.
Ensure that any bends in cables conform to the recommended minimum-bend-radius
of those cables, especially where the cables enter the RF connectors.

3.5 Connecting the Safety interlock

♦WARNING!

Use the safety interlock facility within danger areas.

If the amplifier is to be connected to an antenna, personnel may be exposed to non­ionising radiation. In such systems, the safety interlock function should be used.

Connection (via the rear panel) is with a BNC-type connector. We recommend that
shielded cable is used for all interlock connections to ensure EMC immunity.

The current in the safety-interlock circuit is less than 1mA, so cable with a low current
capacity is suitable.

AS Series Manual: H012649 Rev: 1

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If you do not need this function, fit the supplied BNC shorting-link in place. Failure to
do this will result in the amplifier latching in an “Interlock Open” status which switches
the amplifier into standby mode.

4. PROTECTION CIRCUITS

4.1 Over Heat Protection

The AS series amplifier sub components produce heat and are air cooled by fans.
Should an over heat condition occur for any reason, the amplifer contains heat
sensors that will shut down the system via the amplifier control system. If the inlet and
outlet openings are obstructed, clear the obstruction and allow the amplifier to remain
in standby so that the internal fans can cool the amplifier down. Once the amplifier has
reached an acceptable temperature, depress the ”Fault Reset” soft key on the
touchscreen and the amplifier will operate normally.

4.2 Input Protection

The AS series is designed to achieve the specified output power level (see applicable
datasheet) for an input level of 0 dBm or less (1.0mW) however, to prevent overdriving
the amplifier, the Input Protection circuit will activate if the input signal exceeds 10
dBm and will automatically compensate for the increased input signal by reducing the
gain of the preamplifier. Even though the amplifier has an Input Protection Circuit,
overdriving the amplifier is not recommended.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
The amplifier Sample Port connectors must be either connected to a 50Ω

measurement system or terminated with the supplied 50Ω load. If the amplifier is
operated without 50Ω impedance on the Sample ports, the metering and output
protection may be inaccurate, which may result in damaging the amplifier and voiding
the unit’s warranty.

4.3 Power Supply Faults

The Power Supply Fault circuit monitors the voltage and current of system power
supplies and produces a fault indication should any voltage or current level deviate
from normal operating parameters. Each power supply voltage output is monitored
and displayed to indicate the power supplies are operating within design parameters.

4.4 Mismatch Protection

The amplifier is not damaged by using it into a load that has a poor 50Ω match. While
operating into a load that has a poor 50Ω match generating high VSWR the amplifier
can be driven at full power without requiring any input folded back or suffer any
damage.

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