dB Control is introducing two new rackmount TWT (Traveling Wave Tube) amplifiers, the dB-4051 and dB-4051A, designed for high-power applications across a broad frequency range. The dB-4051 operates between 18 and 40 GHz with a minimum output of 50/60 Watts CW, while the dB-4051A covers 17.5 to 40 GHz with 40/50 Watts CW/Pulsed output. These amplifiers are tailored for ECM transmitters, electronic warfare simulations, EMC tests, RFI testing, and radar measurements.

The amplifiers feature wide-band, conduction-cooled TWTs and use proprietary low-noise, high-efficiency power supply designs. They include a microcontroller for control, protection, and diagnostics, with Ethernet as the standard communication interface. Packaged in a 19-inch rack-mount format, they also offer an outdoor mount option. This launch positions dB Control as the only provider with high-power amplifiers covering the 2 to 40 GHz spectrum.

Last week, dB Control announced an exclusive distribution agreement with Shoshin USA and Shoshin Corporation to sell its TWT amplifiers, Microwave Power Modules (MPMs), and high-voltage products in Japan. The new product lineup includes:

These products are designed to be used for ECM transmitters, electronic warfare simulation, EMC tests, RFI susceptibility/RF components testing, and antenna pattern/radar cross section measurements. (Read the news release.)

Designing and testing electronic warfare (EW) equipment, like radar simulation systems, is critical for ensuring effectiveness and safety. Engineers face challenges related to technical demands, in-house capabilities, and costs, making accurate and reliable test equipment essential. 

Key challenges in radar simulation include achieving rapid and stable transmitter frequency set-on times (e.g., 1-microsecond set-on time, 1-millisecond frequency stability) and accurate receiver frequency measurements (e.g., 100 nanoseconds with 1 megahertz accuracy). Developing these systems in-house can be complex and costly, often revealing difficulties late in the process, particularly with size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints. Choosing the right test equipment involves selecting frequency-locked oscillators (FLOs), voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), and synthesizers, each with different benefits. System control elements such as antenna control units (ACUs) and digital control units (DCUs) are also crucial in managing and measuring signal performance. (Read the full article.)

Designing power amplifiers for high-frequency bands like Ka-band and Q-band presents significant challenges compared to lower frequency applications. These challenges affect size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) decisions. The complexity of designing systems for satellite communications, radar, and electronic warfare is increasing, particularly due to threats from missile seekers operating at millimeter wave (mmW) frequencies. These threats demand advanced mmW jamming capabilities across various platforms.

The article explores the difficulties in finding reliable high-frequency power amplifiers, discusses overcoming SWaP-C and lead time issues, and clarifies misconceptions about operating in these frequency bands while addressing the diverse needs of systems designers. (Read the full article.)