Whitepaper

Pulse Amplifier Definitions and Terminology

Exodus Advanced Communications

This application note from Exodus Advanced Communications defines key terminology related to solid-state pulse amplifiers used in EMC and other applications. It details specifications like duty cycle (typically ≤6%, but up to 10% or 20% for some models), Pulse Repetition Rate (PRF) up to 400kHz, and rise/fall times of 15-25ns. The document highlights the importance of understanding duty cycle correction factors – a 10% duty cycle requires multiplying average power by 10 (or adding 10dB) to determine peak power—providing tables for 1kW and 4kW output levels. Exodus amplifiers include features like front panel monitoring of forward/reflected power, VSWR, module voltages/currents, and a large touchscreen display conforming to IEC-348 safety standards. The paper also contrasts the pulse response characteristics of solid-state amplifiers (SSPA) with those of traditional Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) amplifiers demonstrating lower overshoot in SSPAs.