Vectawave VBA2000P Series — 1–2 GHz Pulsed RF Power Amplifiers (2 kW / 4 kW / 8 kW / 10kW)

Broadband pulsed RF power for DO-160 Section 20 radiated susceptibility and high-field EMC immunity systems.

The Vectawave VBA2000P pulsed amplifier family is designed for 1–2 GHz pulsed operation at high power using solid-state GaN technology. These amplifiers are intended for demanding EMC and avionics immunity applications—particularly RTCA DO-160 Section 20 radiated susceptibility testing—where stable gain, fast pulse edges, and robust mismatch tolerance are required. The 4 kW platform (VBA 2000-4000P) is class AB linear with modest CW capability, and incorporates an internal pulse modulator programmable locally or via remote control.

Model range (1–2 GHz):

VBA2000-2000P — 2000 W pulsed (enquire for datasheet & lead time)
VBA2000-4000P — 4000 W pulsed (datasheet available)
VBA2000-8000P — 8000 W pulsed (enquire for datasheet & lead time)
VBA2000-10000P — 10000 W pulsed

Key Technical Advantages

Solid-State GaN Output Technology

GaN devices are selected for their suitability in high-peak-power pulsed RF designs, delivering strong pulse performance with solid-state reliability.

DO-160 Section 20 Radiated Susceptibility Support (Cat G System Use Case)

With an appropriate antenna and chamber, the 4 kW unit is positioned for pulsed-mode testing up to RTCA DO-160 Cat G radiated susceptibility, while also supporting CW/SW use cases.

Internal Pulse Generation and Modulation

Integrated pulse-modulator functionality supports internal pulse generation and control via the front panel or remotely.

CW Capability for System Flexibility

In addition to pulsed operation, the platform supports CW output capability, enabling broader immunity test coverage and simplifying lab configurations that need both operating modes.

Typical Applications

Avionics & Aerospace Immunity

RTCA DO-160 Section 20 radiated susceptibility (including Cat G system configurations with suitable antenna/chamber).
Aircraft subsystem high-field susceptibility investigations and margin testing.

EMC Radiated Immunity (1–2 GHz)

High-field radiated immunity where pulsed RF is required to achieve target field strengths efficiently.
Pre-compliance or investigative immunity troubleshooting in the 1–2 GHz band.

Pulsed RF Characterization & Facility Use

Pulsed excitation for antenna characterization, chamber validation, and specialized susceptibility setups where peak power is required without excessive average power.

Model Overview

VBA2000-2000P (2 kW Pulsed) — Enquire

A cost-effective entry into 1–2 GHz pulsed immunity where lower peak power meets the field requirement or where higher-gain antennas are used.
Datasheet & lead time: please enquire.

VBA2000-4000P (4 kW Pulsed) — Detailed Specifications Available

The 4 kW model is the reference configuration for the series and includes published performance and interface details. It is a 1–2 GHz pulsed amplifier with internal pulse modulation and CW capability.

VBA2000-8000P (8 kW Pulsed) — Enquire

For maximum peak field generation at 1–2 GHz, including higher chamber losses, larger test volumes, or lower antenna gain configurations.
Datasheet & lead time: please enquire.

VBA2000-10000P (10 kW Pulsed) — Enquire

For maximum peak field generation at 1–2 GHz, including higher chamber losses, larger test volumes, or lower antenna gain configurations.
Datasheet & lead time: please enquire.

Technical Specifications (VBA2000-4000P Reference)

The following specifications are published for VBA 2000-4000P and are commonly used as the baseline when architecting 1–2 GHz pulsed immunity systems:

RF / Electrical

Parameter	Specification
Frequency range (instantaneous)	1–2 GHz
Rated output power	4.5 kW minimum pulsed, 50 W CW
Output power @ 1 dB compression	4 kW pulsed typical
Gain	66 dB min at rated output
Gain flatness vs frequency	±2 dB
Harmonics (at 4 kW pulsed)	Better than -20 dBc
Output impedance	50 Ω
Stability	Unconditional
Output VSWR tolerance	Infinity:1 (see note)
Input VSWR	2:1 max
Pulse Performance
Pulse rise/fall time	< 50 ns
Pulse delay (external)	< 200 ns
Pulse width (at 4 kW)	100 µs max
Duty cycle (at 4 kW)	10% max
Internal pulse generator width range	0.1–500 µs
Internal PRF range	100–10,000 Hz
Power / Mains
Supply voltage	200–240 Vac
Line frequency	50–60 Hz
Apparent power	< 3 kVA max
Mains connector	IEC320-C20
Interfaces / Connectors
RF connectors	Input N(f), Output DIN 7-16(f)
Safety interlock	2 × BNC(f), short/open to mute
Pulse I/O	BNC(f)
Control interfaces	Ethernet / USB / GPIB standard
Mechanical
Chassis	19-inch, 9U, 550 mm deep
Mass	47 kg
Operating temperature	0–40 °C
Case options	Rack mount, rear panel connectors

VSWR note: Output mismatch tolerance is specified for excitation within permitted limits; the amplifier “may limit at >1 kW reflected power.”

System Integration Guidance (1–2 GHz DO-160 / EMC Radiated Susceptibility)

To build a complete pulsed radiated susceptibility solution, a typical system includes:

Pulsed RF amplifier (VBA 2000P series)
Directional coupler + peak power sensing appropriate for 1–2 GHz pulsed peak levels
Interlock chain integrated into chamber safety loop (supports mute via interlock I/O)
Antenna selection matched to the required field level and chamber geometry (gain vs uniformity trade)
Chamber characterization and field calibration methods aligned to DO-160 Section 20 / lab procedures