20 W vs. 50 W 6–18 GHz GaN SSPA: Which One Is Right for EW and Radar Systems?

Upgrading electronic warfare (EW) jamming pods, tactical threat simulators, and broadband radar transmitters requires choosing the right RF output power while staying within strict payload limits. The 6–18 GHz GaN solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) series offers two field-proven power tiers: the 20 W (43 dBm, model MCW6018M43A) and the 50 W (47 dBm, model MCW6018M47A).

Both modules operate continuously across the full 6000 MHz to 18000 MHz spectrum inside a compact 150 × 90 × 25 mm housing weighing under 1.2 kg. Evaluating trade-offs between thermal dissipation, DC power draw, and effective radiated power (ERP) helps system integrators specify the ideal 6–18 GHz GaN power amplifier module for their platform.

1. Comparing 20 W vs. 50 W Power Tiers for System Integration

Selecting between 20 W and 50 W modules comes down to available DC power, heatsink capacity, and link margin goals.

• The 20 W Option (MCW6018M43A): Drawing 3.5 A typical at 28 VDC (98 W DC power input), this module delivers 43 dBm saturated output with 43 dB power gain. It is ideal for space- and power-constrained SWaP applications, unmanned payloads, and multi-channel driver stages.
• The 50 W Option (MCW6018M47A): Delivering 47 dBm saturated output with 47 dB power gain, this unit draws 8.5 A typical at 28 VDC (238 W DC power input). It provides maximum RF output power for long-range radar transmitters and active ECM jammers.
• Microelectronic Build: Wire-bonding bare GaN dies directly to microstrip transition networks eliminates plastic package reactances, ensuring a smooth gain response and flat power delivery across the entire 6–18 GHz band.

2. Key Operational Features: Fast RF Pulse Gating, Telemetry, and Ruggedness

Both power levels share a unified microelectronic design built to survive harsh operational environments:

• Fast RF Pulse Gating: An integrated fast RF switch (ENABLE pin) enables rapid gating with a typical TON/OFF time of 2 µs (5 µs maximum). This supports precise pulse modulation and rapid RF blanking during radar sweeps without thermal overload.
• Real-Time System Telemetry: A hybrid 7-pin D-Sub connector provides analog voltage telemetry for current monitoring (Pin 2: 100 mV/A) and baseplate temperature tracking (Pin 3: 10 mV/°C).
• VSWR Mismatch Protection: The output matching network tolerates continuous 3:1 VSWR load mismatches at all phase angles. Furthermore, this broadband solid-state power amplifier series withstands open- or short-circuit load faults (VSWR ∞:1) for up to 1 minute at full output power.

3. Module Selection & Application Matrix

The table below highlights key operational differences to help you select the right broadband power amplifier module for your project:

Selection Criteria	20 W SSPA Module (MCW6018M43A)	50 W SSPA Module (MCW6018M47A)
Saturated Output Power (Psat)	20 W typical (43 dBm)	50 W typical (47 dBm)
Typical Power Gain	43 dB typical	47 dB typical
DC Power Consumption	~98 W (28 VDC @ 3.5 A typ)	~238 W (28 VDC @ 8.5 A typ)
Primary Advantage	Low thermal load; SWaP-optimized	Maximum RF output & long-range ERP
Typical Applications	Driver stages, compact UAV pods, test benches	High-power ECM jammers, tactical radar
Cooling Requirement	Standard conduction / heatsink	High-performance heatsink / forced-air cooling

Technical Support & Evaluation Units

Looking to evaluate the 20 W or 50 W 6–18 GHz GaN SSPA modules for your project? Contact our engineering sales team to request official technical datasheets, S-parameter files, 3D CAD models, or evaluation samples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I choose between the 20 W and 50 W modules based on cooling limits?

Choose the 20 W module if your platform relies on passive conduction or compact heatsinks, as it generates ~78 W of waste heat. Select the 50 W module if higher RF output is needed and your platform can dissipate ~188 W of waste heat using a high-performance heatsink or forced-air cooling to keep baseplate temperatures below 85 °C.

Q2: Can these 6–18 GHz modules be power-combined for higher output?

Yes. Both 20 W and 50 W modules utilize identical microelectronic layout topologies and output matching networks (> 10 dB return loss). Their consistent phase-frequency tracking makes them easy to integrate into parallel corporate combiners or spatial arrays to achieve higher effective radiated power (ERP).

Q3: What power supply and wiring connections are required for installation?

Both modules require a 28 VDC nominal power feed (26 V to 32 V range) connected via Pins A1 (VDD) and A2 (GND) of the hybrid 7-pin D-Sub connector. The power supply should be rated for at least 5 A for the 20 W module and at least 10 A for the 50 W module.