Satcom Resources Blog

The VertexRSI QuadMod SSPAs are completely modular RF amplifier systems that offer output powers of up to 800 watts in C-Band, 700 watts in X-Band, or 400 watts in Ku-Band.

Based on technology used in VertexRSI’s field-proven ModuMAX amplifiers, QuadMod SSPAs utilize field-replaceable RF modules, power supplies and electronic assemblies to maximize performance and minimize downtime in SATCOM systems.

Since solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) consist of multiple transistors in parallel, they naturally contain a degree of built-in redundancy. With proper attention to design architecture, the use of multiple parallel RF modules, and the elimination of all active devices from the common RF path, VertexRSI has designed an SSPA that is reliable and extremely fault-tolerant.

Featuring a hot-swappable modular architecture for ease of maintenance, QuadMod SSPAs offer an economical extension of VertexRSI’s patented ModuMAX technology for systems requiring lower RF power output.

…for more on the VertexRSI QuadMod SSPA

The VertexRSI ModuMAX™ SSPAs are completely modular solid-state power amplifier systems for world-wide satellite communications.

Most satellite earth stations cannot afford down time due to equipment failure, so they employ redundancy – two of everything – at a significant increase in cost and complexity. This made sense when the final amplifier stage was a single tube and thus a single point failure. However, now that solid state is a viable and practical amplifier technology, solutions other than brute-force redundancy make better sense.

The ModuMAX SSPA consists of eight identical, fully interchangeable RF plug-in modules that are conveniently accessible from the front panel. Module status is visually indicated by an LED on each module as well as the control panel display.

Complete failure of a module causes a drop of only 1.2 dB in output power without the momentary loss of signal caused by redundant switchover systems. Defective modules can be hot-swapped while the SSPA continues to operate. Spare RF modules are affordable, since they contain only a fraction of the RF power transistors in the SSPA.

…for more on ModuMAX SSPAs