When designing C-band radar systems, targeted electronic warfare (EW) platforms, or high-frequency ISM equipment, engineers require concentrated output power within a strictly defined frequency spectrum. Maintaining stable gain and power delivery across this targeted frequency band is important for meeting system-level output-power and integration requirements.
As part of the narrowband RF power amplifiers line, the MCW5659M47A provides a dedicated solution for the 5600 MHz to 5900 MHz frequency range. Designed to deliver 50 W of typical saturated output power, this Solid-State Power Amplifier (SSPA) simplifies C-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 (MCW5659M47A)
| Parameter | Specification | Unit / Note |
| Frequency Range | 5600 – 5900 | MHz |
| Saturated Output Power (Psat) | 50 | W (Typ.) |
| Power Gain | 47 | dB (Typ.) |
| Operating Voltage | +28 | VDC |
| Current Consumption | 10 | A (Typ. at 50 W operating point) |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 180 × 110 × 25 | mm (Aluminum package) |
C-Band 5.6–5.9 GHz RF Power Amplifier Design and VNA Verification
Operating in the C-band requires careful impedance matching to maintain stable power transfer and controlled VSWR across the operating band. The MCW5659M47A consolidates this narrowband performance into a compact 180 × 110 × 25 mm package.
Based on the typical 47 dB power gain, a first-order calculation gives an input level of approximately 0 dBm for a 47 dBm (50 W) output. To guarantee predictable system integration, each module is subjected to a frequency sweep using a Keysight E5071C VNA, with a printed test curve and digital .s2p simulation files provided for the corresponding serial-numbered unit.
50 W SSPA for Radar, EW, and RF Testing
This amplifier can be used in high-power CW applications including specific C-band radar allocations, targeted EW 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 for High-Power CW Operation
At the specified 28 V / 10 A operating point, the DC input power is approximately 280 W. With 50 W of RF output, system-level thermal design should account for substantial residual power dissipation in the amplifier and cooling path.
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 50 W output?
A: Based on the typical 47 dB power gain, a first-order calculation gives approximately 0 dBm input for a 47 dBm (50 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 MCW5659M47A module is subjected to a frequency sweep using a Keysight E5071C VNA and is supplied with a serialized printed test curve and corresponding digital .s2p files.
Q: What is the DC power requirement for this module?
A: The MCW5659M47A requires a +28 VDC supply and draws a typical current of 10 A at the 50 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 thermal dissipation efficiency.