When designing S-band radar systems or 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) RF equipment, engineers require high output power within a defined operating band. Maintaining stable power delivery across the 2.2–2.5 GHz operating band is important for meeting system-level RF output-power and integration requirements.
As part of the narrowband RF power amplifiers line, the MCW2400M53A provides a dedicated high-power solution for the 2200 MHz to 2500 MHz frequency range. Designed to deliver 200 W of typical saturated output power, this Solid-State Power Amplifier (SSPA) simplifies S-band RF front-end architectures by providing a compact narrowband amplification block.
Technical Specs & Engineering Support
Need complete electrical parameters, S-parameter data, or custom RF design support for this series?
Key RF Specifications at a Glance (MCW2400M53A)
| Parameter | Specification | Unit / Note |
| Frequency Range | 2200 – 2500 | MHz |
| Saturated Output Power (Psat) | 200 | W (Typ.) |
| Power Gain | 28 | dB (Typ.) |
| Operating Voltage | +28 | VDC |
| Current Consumption | 24 | A (Typ. at 200 W operating point) |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 200 × 150 × 30 | mm (Aluminum housing) |
S-Band 2.2–2.5 GHz RF Power Amplifier Design and VNA Verification
Operating in the S-band requires careful impedance matching to maintain stable power transfer and controlled VSWR across the operating band. The MCW2400M53A integrates this narrowband S-band amplification into a compact 200 × 150 × 30 mm package.
Based on the typical 28 dB power gain, a first-order calculation gives an input level of approximately +25 dBm for a 53 dBm (200 W) output. To support consistent system-level integration, each module is subjected to a frequency sweep using a Keysight E5071C VNA, with a printed test curve and digital .s2p S-parameter files corresponding to the module’s serial number.
200 W SSPA for 2.4 GHz ISM, Radar, and RF Testing
This amplifier can be used in high-power CW applications including S-band radar systems, 2.4 GHz ISM RF systems, and specialized RF test setups. For non-constant-envelope modulation schemes, appropriate output back-off may be required to meet system-level linearity and spectral emission limits.
RF Load Mismatch Handling
The module incorporates built-in protection circuitry for output-load mismatch conditions. To prevent damage or degradation of the module, system integration must follow the specified output-power, maximum load VSWR, and thermal limits during both laboratory testing and field deployment.
Thermal Management and DC Architecture for High-Power CW Operation
Using the typical 28 V / 24 A operating point as a first-order reference, the DC input power is approximately 672 W. Subtracting 200 W of RF output gives an estimated residual power of approximately 472 W, which can be used as a first-order thermal design reference. Actual heat dissipation depends on frequency, drive level, efficiency, and operating conditions.
At 24 A, the DC path should be designed with sufficiently low resistance to limit resistive voltage drop and localized heating in cables, connectors, and internal power-distribution structures. Effective conductive cooling through the baseplate is required for sustained high-power CW operation. The unit must be securely mounted to an appropriately sized heatsink. For sustained high-power operation, forced-air cooling may be added depending on the system thermal design.
Frequently Asked Questions (Technical & Integration)
Q: What is the input power required to achieve 200 W output?
A: Based on the typical 28 dB power gain, a first-order calculation gives approximately +25 dBm input for a 53 dBm (200 W) output. Actual drive requirements near saturation depend on frequency, gain compression, and the required operating point.
Q: Does the amplifier come with test data?
A: Yes. Each MCW2400M53A module is subjected to a frequency sweep using a Keysight E5071C VNA and is supplied with a printed test curve corresponding to the module’s serial number, along with digital .s2p S-parameter files.
Q: What is the DC power requirement for this module?
A: The MCW2400M53A requires a +28 VDC supply and draws a typical current of 24 A at the 200 W operating point.
Q: What cooling method is recommended?
A: Effective conductive cooling through the baseplate is required. We recommend mounting the unit to a finned extruded aluminum heatsink; forced-air cooling may be added to improve heatsink thermal performance.