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Broadband High-Power Amplifier Serves C-UAS Apps

May 22, 2025

Empower RF’s model 1212 provides a reliable PA stage in counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) applications.

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The Overview: A Compact and Reliable High-Power Amp

Popular in fielded C-UAS applications, Empower RF Systems’ model 1212 is a solid-state power amplifier that operates from 2,000 to 6,000 MHz with minimum output of 50 W. It relies on GaN-on-SiC transistors for high reliability in rugged electromagnetic-response scenarios.

Who Needs It & Why: Modularity in Broadband Mobile Jamming Apps

The model 1212 amplifier shines in C-UAS applications as well as band-specific use cases in the S- and C-bands, where it provides typical output power of 65 W. It’s intended to showcase the company’s expertise in designing compact and reliable high-power amplifiers for electronic-warfare systems.

The power amp delivers instantaneous broadband output for mobile jamming applications defending against drones and other unmanned aircraft. It complements other modules in Empower RF’s lineup for other frequency bands.

Under the Hood: A Class AB Circuit Suited for CW, AM, and FM Modulation

Within its ruggedized metal housing, the model 1212 sports a feature set that lends itself to demanding defense applications. The Class AB amplifier with nominal 50-Ω inputs and outputs is suitable for CW, AM, and FM modulation schemes and offers small-signal gain of 61 dB typical. At an output of 50 W, it’s second-harmonic output is –10 dBc and third-harmonic output is –20 dBc; spurious output is –60 dBc.

The amplifier is fitted with protection circuits for overtemperature, overvoltage, overcurrent, and reverse polarity. It’ll also withstand full reflection at the RF output at any angle for up to one minute at its rated output power.

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About the Author

David Maliniak | Executive Editor, Microwaves & RF

I am Executive Editor of Microwaves & RF, an all-digital publication that broadly covers all aspects of wireless communications. More particularly, we're keeping a close eye on technologies in the consumer-oriented 5G, 6G, IoT, M2M, and V2X markets, in which much of the wireless market's growth will occur in this decade and beyond. I work with a great team of editors to provide engineers, developers, and technical managers with interesting and useful articles and videos on a regular basis. Check out our free newsletters to see the latest content.

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About me:

In his long career in the B2B electronics-industry media, David Maliniak has held editorial roles as both generalist and specialist. As Components Editor and, later, as Editor in Chief of EE Product News, David gained breadth of experience in covering the industry at large. In serving as EDA/Test and Measurement Technology Editor at Electronic Design, he developed deep insight into those complex areas of technology. Most recently, David worked in technical marketing communications at Teledyne LeCroy, leaving to rejoin the EOEM B2B publishing world in January 2020. David earned a B.A. in journalism at New York University.