Kratos Provides Develops Solid-State Power Amplifiers for Radar, EW and Airborne Data Link Applications

Kratos develops and supplies a dedicated line of generic and custom microwave SSPAs for high-performance RF and microwave systems across military and commercial domains. The product line spans a wide frequency range, incorporates multiple semiconductor technologies to provide power comparable to Travelling Wave Tube (TWT) Amplifiers.

These solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) cover frequencies from L-band through Ku-band, addressing requirements across surveillance, communications, electronic warfare, and test environments. Within this range, amplifiers are designed for both continuous-wave and pulsed operation, with pulsed output power levels reaching up to 1 kilowatt, essential for radar and electronic countermeasure transmitters.

The amplifiers operate in Class A and Class AB configurations, balancing linearity and efficiency depending on signal type and mission role. They can handle a wide range of modulations, including Linear Frequency Modulation (LFM), and various digital modulation schemes. This allows a single SSPA design framework to support sensing, communications, and electronic attack functions.

To support integration into complex platforms, Kratos SSPAs offer remote control and communication interfaces, including RS-232, RS-422, and Ethernet. This allows external system controllers to manage operating states and receive health data (Temperature, power levels, fault or warning conditions) as well.

Protection, Monitoring, and System Integration 

Kratos SSPAs have system-level protection and monitoring functions intended to support reliable operation even under demanding conditions. These include:

• Over-temperature alarms and protective shutdown mechanisms.
• Open-load and short-load detection to prevent damage due to antenna or load faults.
• Forward power monitoring to verify transmitted output levels.
• Reflected power monitoring to detect impedance mismatches.

The RF power in the SSPAs is split into multiple parallel amplifier branches. If one branch fails due to unforeseen reasons, the others continue operating. Output power drops only slightly — not catastrophically. This is “graceful degradation”, something TWT amplifiers cannot provide. For mission-critical applications (missiles, airborne radars), this is a major reliability advantage.

Semiconductor Technology Platform

Kratos SSPAs are designed using a technology-agnostic device strategy. This means selecting solid-state technologies based on mission and operating requirements rather than relying on a single device type. The product line supports:

• LDMOS for lower-frequency or legacy systems prioritizing longevity.
• GaAs for applications that need stable linearity at microwave frequencies.
• GaN-based devices (GaN-on-SiC and GaN MMICs) for high-power, high-efficiency operation at high voltages.

Application Domains

Kratos SSPA product line supports a range of RF and microwave system applications, including:

• Radar Systems: High peak pulsed power and fast switching support ground-based, airborne, and maritime radar transmitters.
• Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) and Communications Jamming (COMJAM): Wide bandwidth and high output power enable electronic warfare functions such as signal denial and deception.
• Airborne Data Links: SSPAs support high-frequency airborne transmitters where size, weight, and reliability are critical.
• RF and Microwave Test Systems: Used in laboratory and field test equipment to generate representative RF signal environments.

The SSPAs can also be used for specialized applications that need custom SSPAs for non-standard frequency ranges, duty cycles, and environmental conditions.

Custom-Engineered SSPAs 

A key highlight of the Kratos SSPA program is its focus on custom high-performance power amplifiers. Rather than emphasizing catalog-only products, the company also develops SSPAs that are tailored to specific operational environments and system architectures.

Customization typically addresses:

• Frequency band and bandwidth.
• Pulse width, duty cycle, and modulation format.
• Mechanical packaging and environmental constraints.
• Electrical, control, and monitoring interfaces.

The Kratos General Microwave SSPA product line is characterized by broad frequency coverage, high pulsed power capability, and the use of multiple solid-state semiconductor technologies. Designed primarily for radar, electronic warfare, communications, and test systems, these SSPAs emphasize adaptability, protection, and system integration. By focusing on custom, application-driven designs, Kratos SSPAs address the technical demands of high-performance RF and microwave platforms across military and specialized commercial environments.

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Get in touch for orders or any queries: sales@rfdesign.co.za / +27 21 555 8400

Courtesy of everythingRF