Norsat’s 250 Watt Atom series BUC. Photo: Norsat

[Via Satellite 03-11-2016] Norsat has released new Atom 250 Watt Ku-band Block UpConverters (BUC) and Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs), the latest edition to the company’s Atom series of products. The company has shipped the first Atom 250W BUC to its initial customer for integration into a radar transceiver application, and is accepting new orders now.

According to Norsat, the Atom 250 Watt Ku-dual band BUC provides 250W of saturated power (200W at P1dB) in one of the most compact sizes in the market. Covering transmit frequencies from 12.25 to 18 GHz, including Common Data Link (CDL) and Low Ku band, the Atom 250W SSPAs and BUCs can be configured to suit operation on any Ku Band satellite.

Norsat claims the Atom series is up to 85 percent smaller, 90 percent lighter, and 60 percent more energy efficient than alternatives, enabling a wide range of applications including Travelling Wave Tube Amplifier (TWTA) replacement, Satellite News Gathering (SNG), transportable Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs), Satcom on the Move, and radar. The Atom 250W also includes AtomControl, the same management and control software that powers the full Atom Ku and Ka family of products.