TPL Communications 3-125 RF Power Amplifier User Manual PA3 1XE User s Manual New
TPL Communications Inc RF Power Amplifier PA3 1XE User s Manual New
Users Manual
USER’S MANUAL
MOBILE HIGH BAND VHF
RF POWER AMPLIFIER SERIES
PA3-1XE
3370 N SAN FERNANDO ROAD, #206
LOS ANGELES, CA 90065
TEL: (323) 256-3000 FAX: (323) 254-321
E-Mail: sales@tplcom.com
Web site: www.tplcom.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
II. GENERAL SPECIFICATION
III. OPTIONS
IV. CAUTION
V. OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
VI. INSTALLATION
VII. WARRANTY
VIII. SERVICE
I. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The PA3-1XE model is a VHF RF power amplifier series intended for use in the
mobile applications. This amplifier can deliver RF power from 40 to 125 W when
driven with 1 to 50 W (model dependant) and it will cover the frequency range
from 136 - 174 MHz. The mobile amplifier is designed to be installed in the
interior of a car or in the trunk. The amplifier’s dimensions are: 11.6”L x 3.0”H x
5.5” W (see figure 1) and the weight is 5 lbs.
Figure 1. Dimension (D package).
II. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS @ VDD = 13.8 VDC Nom., TA = +25° C
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit Condition
Frequency Range BW 136 174 MHz
Operating bandwidth within range OBW 38 MHz
Input Power PIN 1 50 Watt Model dependant
Output Power POUT 40 125 130 Watt See Note 1
Output Flatness ΔPOUT ±0.5 dB
Gain G
16 dB
Duty Cycle D 40 % per EIA/TIA-603-C
Harmonic Emissions Har -70 -65 dBc POUT = 125 W
Spurious Emissions Spur -80 -75 dBc POUT = 125 W
Operating Voltage VDD 11 13.8 15 Volt
Supply Current IDD 14 Amp POUT = 125 W
Input VSWR S11 1.3:1 2:1 VSWR
Operating Mode Mode FM/CW
Emission Designators ED F1E, F1D, F1W, F3E, F2D, F7W, FXD, FXE
Input / Output Impedance ZIN / ZOUT 50 Ω
Receive Path Insertion Loss IL 0.5 1 dB
SSR Attack Time tATK 100 250 μS
ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
Parameter Symbol Min. Typ. Max. Unit Condition
Operating Temperature TO -20 +50 °C
Storage Temperature TS -40 +85 °C
Operating Humidity HO 0 85 %
relative, non-condensing
Storage Humidity HS 0 95 %
relative, non-condensing
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Parameter Value Units Limits Condition
Dimensions 11.6 L x 3.0 H x 5.5 W inch max
Weight 5 lb max
RF Connectors, In/Out UHF (SO-239) Type N optional
DC Connector Cinch 4-pin male
Cooling Convection
NOTES:
1. The rated output power of this amplifier is for single carrier operation.
For situations when multiple carrier signals are present, the rating would
have to be reduced by 3.5 dB, especially when the output signal is re-
radiated and can cause interference to adjacent band users. This power
reduction is to be by means of input power or gain reduction and not by
an attenuator at the output of the device.
OPERATING VOLTAGE:
Nominal DC operating voltage is 13.8VDC and the specifications are given
at this voltage, as measured at the DC input connector. Reduced DC input
voltage will result in lower output power and efficiency.
EIA DUTY CYCLE:
NOTE: Use of TPL Mobile Amplifiers above the recommended duty cycle
or in repeater applications is not recommended and voids the warranty.
CONFIGURATION:
All mobile amplifiers are supplied with Solid State Carrier Operated
Relay (SSR).
III. OPTIONS
TPL Communications’ VHF Mobile Power Amplifiers are available with
several options: input, output, frequency ranges and configurations, special
logos, etc., when specified at the time of order. We work closely with you, our
customer, to develop products that are in complete compliance with your needs
and specifications.
IV. CAUTION
Inspect the amplifier thoroughly upon receipt for visible damage. If any is noticed,
please call TPL Communications at 800 HI POWER to request an RMA (Return
Material Authorization) number. If purchase trough a dealer or distributor, ask
them to also follow this procedure for best results.
EXPENSIVE COMPONENTS MAY BE DESTROYED IF THE AMPLIFIER IS
TURNED ON IN A DAMAGE CONDICTION.
FCC CERTIFICATION
TPL Communications commercial amplifiers are FCC and IC certified for the
use in Land and Marine mobile/fixed services. The technician installing this
amplifier must hold a General Radio Telephone permit and be familiar with the
pertinent FCC and IC rules and regulations.
Harmonics, and other spurious, signals from this amplifier are attenuated
according to or beyond FCC and IC requirements. For further details consult the
appropriate publications.
V. OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION:
This amplifier produces RF voltages that can cause painful and
dangerous burns. Use caution! Connect and disconnect all RF
connections with the drive power and DC power off.
DRIVE POWER:
RF power transistors, although quite rugged in most respects, are easily
damage by overdrive. Be careful not to overdrive the amplifier even
momentarily (before applying any drive signal please check table I for
details). Higher-than-rated drive power may destroy the transistors and
VOID ANY WARRANTY.
SUPPLY VOLTAGE:
The maximum operating voltage is 15VDC. When using the DC power
supply make sure that it is not adjusted above 15 volts. If it is possible
for the voltage to go above 15 Volts for any reason, including failure of
the power supply, install a “crowbar” circuit to prevent damage to the
amplifier in the event of excess voltage.
CASE TEMPERATURE
High power can mean high temperatures. Mount the amplifier where air
can freely circulate over it and where clothing, blankets, etc. will not
accidentally be placed over it. Keep duty cycle below limits.
TERMINATIONS
The efficiency of this amplifier will degrade if it is operated into anything
but a 50 Ω load. Lowered efficiency may mean any or all of the following:
lower power output, increased current drain, higher operating
temperature, and reduced life time.
EXPOSURE TO RADIO FREQUENCY ENERGY
National and International
Standards and Guidelines
Your two-way radio, which generates and radiates radio frequency (RF)
electromagnetic energy (EME), is designed to comply with the following national
and international standards and guidelines regarding exposure of human beings
to radio frequency electromagnetic energy:
Federal Communications Commission Report and Order NO. FCC 96-326
(August 1996)
American National Standards Institute (C95-1-1992)
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP-1986)
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNRP - 1986)
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC)
Env. 50166 - 1 1995E - Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields Low
Frequency (0 Hz to 10 kHz)
Env. 50166 - 2 1995E - Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields High
Frequency (10 kHz to 300 GHz)
Proceedings of SC211/8 1996 - Safety Consideration for Human Exposure to
E.M.F’s from Mobile Telecommunications Equipment (M.T.E.) in the Frequency
Range 30 MHz to 6 GHz (E.M.F. - Electromagnetic Fields)
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE/COMPATIBILITY
NOTE: Nearly every electronics device is susceptible to electromagnetic
interference (EMI) if inadequately shielded, designed or otherwise configured for
electromagnetic compatibility.
To avoid electromagnetic interference and/or compatibility conflicts, turn off your
radio in any facility where posted notices instruct you to do so. Hospitals or
health care facilities may be using equipment that is sensitive to external RF
energy.
FOR VEHICLES WITH AN AIR BAG
Do not place a portable radio or amplifier in the area over an air bag or in the air
bag deployment area. Air bags inflate with great force. If a portable radio or
amplifier is placed in the air bag deployment area and the air bag inflates, the
radio or amplifier may be propelled with great force and cause serious injury to
occupants of the vehicle.
POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES
Turn off your two-way radio when you are in any area with a potentially
explosives atmosphere, unless it is a radio type especially qualified for use in
such areas (for example, Factory Mutual Approved). Sparks in a potentially
explosive atmosphere can cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or
even death.
Blasting Caps and Areas
To avoid possible interference with blasting operations, turn off your radio when
you are near electrical blasting caps, in a blasting area, or in areas posted: “Turn
off two-way radio”. Obey all signs and instructions.
NOTE: The areas with potentially explosive atmospheres referred to above
include fueling areas such as: below decks on boats: fuel or chemical transfer or
storage facilities; areas where the air contains chemicals or particles, such as
grain, dust or metal powders; and any other area where you would normally be
advised to turn off your vehicle engine. Areas with potentially explosive
atmospheres are often but not always posted.
MOBILE RADIO OPERATION AND EME EXPOSURE
To assure optimal radio performance and that human exposure to radio
frequency electromagnetic energy is within the guidelines referenced earlier in
this document, transmit only when people inside and outside the vehicle are at
least the minimum distance away from a properly installed, externally-mounted
antenna. For this amplifier that distance is at least two feet.
Mobile Antenna Installation
Install the vehicle antenna external to the vehicle and in accordance with:
a) The requirements of the antenna manufacturer/supplier
b) Instructions in the Radio Installation Manual
VI. INSTALLATION
The PA3-1XE amplifier installation is illustrated in figure 2. Mount the amplifier as
close to the antenna as practical. Keep coaxial cable runs short, avoiding sharp
bends and pinching. Avoid loose connectors at the ends of the coaxial cables.
The antenna should be matched to an SWR better than 1.5:1 for best results.
Higher SWR will degrade the performance of the amplifier.
1. Mount the amplifier away from the sources of heat, and where air can freely
circulate around it. Avoid mounting the amplifier in the engine compartment or
near the exhaust pipe system.
It is also important to securely fasten the unit. An improperly mounted piece of
equipment is subjected to damage as it moves about and can cause serious
injuries in an accident. Use bolts through the holes in the amplifiers flange to
fasten the unit to a secure mounting surface (see figure 2).
Figure 2. Amplifier installation
2. Wire the DC power connector (Cinch 4 pin female) directly to the battery if
possible. Do not use the present vehicle wiring. Use #10 AWG if possible and
certainly no lighter than #12 AWG. To avoid a possible fire, or other possible
damage, make sure a fuse or circuit breaker is installed at the battery end of
the wire. Use the same size as the internal fuse listed in table I.
Attach DC input wires in accordance to the diagram in figure 3. If wires are
too large for the holes, solder them to the sides of the blades.
Figure 3. DC connector internal wiring
3. Connect the antenna to the “RF OUT” terminal with a 50Ω coaxial cable and
a PL-259 male connector according to figure 4.
4. Turn off your radio transceiver. Connect it to the “RF INPUT” terminal with
a 50Ω coaxial cable.
Figure 4. Antenna connection
13.8VDC
+
RF
J2
RF OUT
4
F1
FUSE
AMP L I F I E R
_
J1
RF IN
3
2
MOBILE CONFIGURATION
1
AMPLIFIER ENCLOSURE
A NTENNA SWITCH
CA RRIER OPERA TED
RELAY
BLOCK DIAGRAM
VII. WARRANTY
TPL COMMUNICATIONS has tested and found this unit to function properly and
to operate within the parameters of its stated specifications.
TPL COMMUNICATIONS warrants that this product is free from defects in
material and workmanship. If found to be defective within five (5) years from the
date of purchase, the factory will, at its discretion, either repair or replace the unit
at no cost, provided the unit is delivered by the owner to the factory intact. The
warranty does not apply to any product which as been subjected to misuse,
neglect, accident, improper installation or used in violation of the instructions
furnished by TPL, nor does it extend to units which have been repaired or altered
outside our service department, nor where the serial number has been removed,
defaced or changed.
VIII. SERVICE
For service on this amplifier, contact:
TPL COMMUNICATIONS
Customer service department
Phone: (323) 256-3000
(800) HI POWER
FAX: (323) 254-3210
E-MAIL: tech.support@tplcom.com
For information on other
TPL products visit our web site at:
www.tplcom.com