Transistor Powers 1.5-kW UHF Pulses

March 11, 2010
The model 0405SC-1500M silicon-carbide (SiC) transistor from Microsemi is a truly high-power solid-state device capable of delivering 1500-W UHF output power for pulsed radar systems. Suitable for use in weather-radar and over-the-horizon-radar systems ...

The model 0405SC-1500M silicon-carbide (SiC) transistor from Microsemi is a truly high-power solid-state device capable of delivering 1500-W UHF output power for pulsed radar systems. Suitable for use in weather-radar and over-the-horizon-radar systems operating from 406 to 450 MHz with 300-microsecond pulses at as much as 6-percent duty cycle, the transistor provides typical gain of 8 dB with drain efficiency of 45 percent at 450 MHz.

According to Charles Leader, Vice President of Microsemi's RF Integrated Solutions (RFIS) group, "We are very excited to lead the market with this silicon carbide broadband transistor specifically designed for UHF band pulsed radar in military and aerospace applications. This new 1,500 watt device demonstrates our ability to extend this advanced technology through aggressive investment. We now can support next-generation UHF radar designs with a full series of silicon carbide transistors having powers rated at 100 W, 500 W, 1000 W, and now the 0405SC-1500M at 1,500 W." Capable of operating into mismatches as severe as a 5.0:1 VSWR, the +125-V device features a single-ended design with simple impedance matching. It employs all gold metallization and gold wire for reliability and is housed in a hermetic solder-sealed package

About the Author

Jack Browne | Technical Contributor

Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.

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