7

VHF POWER AMPLIFIER

Each VHF amplifier is capable of providing 1.5 kW of power. This is a basic power module or
building block in this transmitter. Output of several such modules are combined to get through
powers of 3 kW, 2 x 3 kW & 2 x 5 kW. In this amplifier, eight 200 W stages are combined in
steps to get an output power of 1500 W. This chapter gives the description of Power Amplifier
up to block level.

SPECIFICATIONS OF POWER AMPLIFIER

Frequency Range 87.5 to 108 MHz
Rated output power 1500 W
Nominal load impedance 50 ohms
Driving power 2 to 3 W
Supply Voltage 20 to 28 V DC
Power Consumption 2200 W approx.
Supply voltage for monitor 12 V DC

BLOCK DIAGRAM DESCRIPTION

Block diagram of 1.5 kW VHF Power Amplifier is shown in Fig. 1. This amplifier requires an
input power of 2.5 to 3 W for giving full output power of 1500 W. First stage is the 30 W Driver
Amplifier. The output of driver is split up into two equal parts, each feeding a 120 W Pre-
Amplifier. The output of each Pre-Amplifier is again split up into two equal parts to drive two
400 W (2 x 200 W) amplifiers. The output of these two 400 W amplifiers are combined to get
an output of 800 W. The 800 W outputs are then combined in the output coupler to get an
output power of 1.5 kW. The Directional Coupler provides the MONITOR with information
about incident and reflected voltages. Monitor circuit analyses this information and gives feed
back to Switch-on-control Unit for automatic correction of Uref and hence the output power by
reduction of DC supply voltage of 30 W stage.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This amplifier is a wideband amplifier and no adjustment or tuning is required when the
frequency is changed. The RF transistors operate in wideband class C mode and are fitted to
the PCBs by means of large gold-plated spring contacts so that they can be replaced quickly
without soldering. One 2 x 200 W stage is mounted on a PCB. Thus there are four such
PCBs. Two 120 W stages are mounted on two separate PCBs. The 30 W stage is on one
PCB on the input side. All these stages can be isolated by means of unsoldering links and
driven separately for testing purposes on a 50 ohm load.

The connection for power supply are made on rear side of the transmitter rack by self-
engaging connectors. Separate fuses have been provided for the protection of various
amplifier stages. Their collector currents can also be metered on the front panel.

Output is taken from the front panel and connected to output coupler with a U-link.


STI(T) Publication 65 007/2003

FM Transmitter

STI(T) Publication 66 007/2003


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VHF Power Amplifier
MONITOR

Each Power Amplifier has been provided with a Monitor for keeping a watch on its health and
taking corrective action in the case of abnormal operation conditions. The monitor receives a
reference signal Uref from the Switch-on Control unit of the transmitter according to the
selected rated power as well as test signal proportional to incident and reflected power. In
case of over temperature at the heat sink or excessive mismatch (VSWR > 1.5), then RF
output power is reduced and fault is signaled. These parameters are compared with the set
threshold values internally and used for indication purposes. Faults are signed accordingly to
the Switch-on Control unit of the transmitter.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

No settings should be disturbed during normal operation.
DC Supply voltage for the amplifier is fixed. However, minor adjustments can be
made by change on the primary side of the power transformer.
Following should be the normal operating powers, voltages and currents :

* Driving power 2.5 W
* Output power 1500 W
* Collector Current of each transistor
push-pull pair, 1E
1
to 1E
8
10.5 to 12 A
* Collector current of each Pre-Amplifier stage, IV
1
, IV
2
7 to 8 A
* Difference between supply and collector voltage
of 30 W stage, Ur < 12 V
* Forward RF voltage 274 V
* Reflected RF voltage Depends upon mismatch.
RF voltage of 3 to 5 V rms is present at the Directional Coupler Test Point (for an
output power of 1500 W) : if this voltage is below the preset threshold of the RF
output power, a fault indicator (red LED) lights.
Each PA module can be switched out of circuit by pressing a toggle switch on the
front panel (without interrupting RF output power of the transmitter). The
disconnection is indicated by a yellow LED on the front panel.
A push-button has also been provided for checking the LEDs on the front panel.

MAINTENANCE

Low output power Check all the meter readings on the front panel meter. Failure
of a transistor is indicated by lack of collector current 1V
1
, 1V
2
, or 1E
1
to 1E
8
.
If an amplifier is tested outside the transmitter rack by means of extender cable,
the heat sink should be cooled by a blower.
Cartridge type fuses are mounted on the rear of the amplifier. Defective fuse can
be replaced by taking out the amplifier module from the transmitter rack. In the
new FM transmitters these fuses are mounted on the front panel itself so that they
can be replaced easily.
Defective RF transistor can be replaced by following the prescribed procedure.
Major repairs should not be attempted at the stations.

The circuit diagrams of 30 watt, 120 watt and 200 watt stages are shown in Fig. 2, 3 and 4
respectively. The monitor board is shown in figure 5(a) & (b).

STI(T) Publication 67 007/2003

FM Transmitter

STI(T) Publication 68 007/2003

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VHF Power Amplifier




Fig. 3 120 W Pre-amplifier Stage
STI(T) Publication 69 007/2003

FM Transmitter


Fig. 4 2 x 200 W Amplifier State

STI(T) Publication 70 007/2003

VHF Power Amplifier

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B
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STI(T) Publication 71 007/2003

FM Transmitter

STI(T) Publication 72 007/2003

FM Transmitter

STI(T) Publication 72 007/2003

Fig. 5 (b) Monitor Board