SAN DIMAS, Calif., Oct. 24, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Wavestream (www.wavestream.com), a manufacturer of a new generation of compact high-efficiency solid-state power amplifiers, today announced it has expanded its PowerStream(tm) Grid Amplifier(tm) product line to include a new 50-watt Ka-band Grid Amplifier block upconverter (BUC). This addition to the PowerStream line is the smallest, lightest and most efficient solid-state Ka-band amplifier built at this power level. The Grid Amplifier BUC offers 25 watts of MIL-STD-188-164 linear power packed into a ruggedized 32-pound unit that mounts near the feed of medium aperture antennas, thus providing a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) transmit amplifier solution for expanding bandwidth to support net-centric operations.
"Our high-powered Grid Amplifier block upconverter provides high reliability in extreme environments making it ideal for transportable military and commercial satellite communication systems," said Chris Branscum, chairman and CEO of Wavestream. "The combination of high performance, small size, and long lifetime provides integrators with an attractive alternative to vacuum-based transmit amplifiers for these medium aperture terminals."
The compact, rugged package was designed to maintain an 80,000 hr MTBF even with extreme temperature environments ranging up to 60 degrees C, minimizing life cycle costs even for the most demanding applications. The unit includes L-band to Ka-band up-conversion, serial monitor and control, adjustable attenuation, and forward- and reverse-output power monitoring for seamless integration into existing and planned terminals.
About Wavestream
Wavestream develops and produces high-power solid-state amplifiers that meet the needs of today's communications and sensing systems. Revolutionary spatial power combining technology enables higher amplifier output powers in smaller packages with greater efficiency and lower cost than previously possible. Wavestream currently offers industry-leading Ka-band and Ku-band SSPAs for satellite communications. At Wavestream, we are bringing solid-state solutions to systems requiring power, efficiency, and value with the Spatial Power Advantage(tm). For more information, please visit the company's web site at www.wavestream.com.