[Satnews] Advantech Wireless has released a lightweight, more powerful, Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology-based Block Upconverter (BUC) that is perfectly suited for SATCOM manpack defense and security deployments.

The integrated 16W/20W BUC includes power supply, phase-locked oscillator, mixer, filter and cooling mechanism, together weighing less than 2.6 kg (5.5 lb). These weatherproof, hub-mounted units are the smallest fully integrated units on the market today.

This new, smaller, lighter and more powerful 16W/20W in Ku and extended Ku-band GaN based BUC will support manpack and fly-away terminals for tactical and ruggedized industrial applications. These critical terminals, used in remote and extreme environmental locations, provide quick and secure critical communications support for in-theater, intelligence gathering, surveillance, defense and homeland security applications in harsh environments.

Cristi Damian, VP Business Development at Advantech Wireless, said, “The mobile satellite market, including portable manpack terminals, demands smaller and higher efficiency BUCs, while maintaining a high linear output power availability. The design of these units is based on Advantech Wireless’ industry proven GaN-based reliable solid-state high power amplifiers. These units achieve a remarkable 40% reduction in size and energy consumption versus our previous generation of Ku-Band BUCs. The use of high reliability GaN technology, high efficiency power supply and conservative thermal designs contribute to the trouble-free operation of the unit. With low weight and size, comes also a high degree of versatility and user friendliness. These units can cover both the standard 14.0-14.5 GHz band, or the extended Ku-band band of 13.75-14.5 GHz, by simply activating an external hardware switch. This universal approach reduces inventory cost and operating expense.”