Amplifier Research 15T4G18A
TWT Amplifier, 4 - 18 GHz, 15W

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Product Overview

AMPLIFIER RESEARCH 15T4G18A

The Amplifier Research 15T4G18A Amplifier is a self contained, forced air cooled, broadband traveling wave tube (TWT) microwave
amplifier designed for applications where low harmonic content is required in sub-band ranges and where
wide instantaneous bandwidth, high gain and moderate power output are required. A reliable micro TWT
provides a conservative 15 watts minimum at the amplifier output connector, 10 watts in low harmonic modes.
Stated power specifications are at the fundamental frequency.

The 15T4G18A Amplifier's front panel digital display shows forward and reflected output plus extensive system status
information accessed through a series of menus via soft keys. Status indicators include power on, warm-up,
standby, operate, faults, excess reflected power warning and remote. Standard features include a built-in IEEE-
488 (GPIB) interface, 0dBm input, VSWR protection, gain control, RF output sample port, plus monitoring of
TWT helix current, cathode voltage, collector voltage, heater current, heater voltage, baseplate temperature
and cabinet temperature. Modular design of the power supply and RF components allow for easy access and
repair. Use of a switching mode power supply results in significant weight reduction.

Housed in a stylish contemporary cabinet, this unit is designed for benchtop use, but can be removed from the
cabinet for rack mounting. The AR 15T4G18A provides readily available RF power for a variety of
applications in Test and Measurement (including EMC RF susceptibility testing), industrial and university
research and development, and service applications.

Specifications of the Amplifier Research 15T4G18A include:

• POWER (fundamental), CW, @ OUTPUT CONNECTOR
• Nominal: 40 watts
• Minimum: 15 watts, 10 watts in low harmonic mode
• Linear @ 1dB Compression: 7 watts minimum
• FLATNESS: ±9 dB maximum, 4.2 - 18 GHz, ±5dB maximum 8.0 - 18 GHz
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 4.2-18 GHz instantaneously or one of three selectable sub-bands in low harmonic mode
• INPUT FOR RATED OUTPUT: 1.0 milliwatt maximum
• GAIN (at maximum setting): 41 dB minimum
• GAIN ADJUSTMENT (continuous range): 35 dB minimum
• INPUT IMPEDANCE: 50 ohms, VSWR 2.0:1 maximum
• OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 50 ohms, VSWR 2.5:1 typical
• MISMATCH TOLERANCE: Output power foldback protection at reflected power exceeding 20 watts (10 watts in low harmonic mode). Will operate without damage or oscillation with any magnitude and phase of source and load impedance. May oscillate with unshielded open due to coupling to input. Should not be tested with connector off.
• MODULATION CAPABILITY: Will faithfully reproduce AM, FM, or pulse modulation appearing on the input signal. AM peak envelope power limited to specified power.
• NOISE POWER DENSITY: 
• Minus 80 dBm/Hz (maximum)
• Minus 90 dBm/Hz (typical)
• HARMONIC DISTORTION (in user selectable sub-band at 10 watts)
• Minus 20dBc maximum,
• Minus 30dBc typical
• HARMONIC DISTORTION (full band at 15 watts)
• 4.2-4.5GHz; Minus 0dBc maximum, Minus 1dBc typical
• 4.5-5GHz; Minus 1dBc maximum, Minus 2dBc typical
• 5-7GHz; Minus 2.5dBc maximum, Minus 4dBc typical
• 7- 10 GHz; Minus 5dBc maximum, Minus 9dBc typical
• 10 - 12 GHz; Minus 8dBc maximum, Minus 12dBc typical
• Above 12 GHz; Minus 20dBc maximum, Minus 30dBc typical
• PRIMARY POWER: 
• 99-260 VAC
• 50/60 Hz single phase
• 600 VA maximum
• CONNECTORS
• RF input: Type N precision female on rear panel
• RF output: Type N precision female on rear panel
• RF output sample port: Type N precision female on rear panel
• GPIB: IEEE-488 (f)
• Interlock: DB-15 female on rear panel
• COOLING: Forced air (self contained fans), air entry and exit in rear.
• WEIGHT (approximate): 32 kg, 70 lbs.
• SIZE (W x H x D): 50.3 x 16.5 x 68.6 cm, 19.8 x 6.5 x 27 in.,