Spatium Platform Overview
Much as computer manufacturers quickly introduce new levels of performance for PCs by implementing the latest microprocessors without the need for a complete system redesign, the Spatium broadband combining platforms allow CAP Wireless to take advantage of new MMIC devices and technologies shortly after they are introduced. This means that new levels of power amplifier performance can be rapidly brought to market in configurations customized for specific requirements, or as standard, general purpose catalog products.
Since introducing its first Spatium-based SSPA in 2005, CAP has demonstrated this architectural flexibility with a variety of products for EW, ECM, SatCom and test equipment applications.
2 GHz to 20 GHz
Originally introduced as a 10 Watt amplifier in 2005 and quickly upgraded to 20 Watts for Test & Measurement applications a few years later, this platform is also the basis for CAP's 6-18 GHz, 40 Watt SSPA. MMICs currently under evaluation will result in a SSPA with saturated output power expected to exceed 100 Watts over the entire 2-20 GHz band.
4 GHz to 18 GHz
The overall length of the Spatium combining structure is determined by the low frequency cutoff, so for systems that require broad band SSPAs above 4 GHz, CAP was able to reduce size and weight and improve efficiency. This new platform is the basis for CAP's liquid cooled CX band SSPA – capable of several hundred watts of saturated output power – and X-Band EW amplifiers. It will also be used for an upcoming product line of Ku-Band SatCom SSPAs. As a result of its newly developed liquid cooling system, this platform is capable of SSPA power output exceeding 1 KW within a relatively small footprint, as higher power broadband GaN devices become available.
20 GHz to 40 GHz
In response to defense and commercial requirements, CAP's recent development of its 20 GHz to 40 GHz Spatium platform forms the basis for the Ka-Band SatCom and ECM SSPAs. A new 25 GHz to 45 GHz platform will allow Spatium-based SSPAs to cover Ka and Q band requirements with a single unit.
