Design and Development of Linearized Channel Amplifier (LCAMP) at S-band

This paper describes Design, Development and Realization of Linearized Channel Amplifier (LCAMP) at Sband (Centre Frequency: 2067 MHz, Bandwidth: 85 MHz) for SATCOM applications. LCAMP consists of Linearizer and Channel Amplifier Sections integrated in a single RF Chain, unlike standalone linearizers. LCAMP provides tunable Gain and Phase expansion capability of up to 6 dB and 45° respectively, with a small signal gain of 55 dB. LCAMP operates in both Fixed Gain Mode (FGM) and Automatic Level Control (ALC) Mode with a wide input dynamic range of 20dB with peak to peak output power variation less than 0.4 dB. LCAMP is equipped with telecommandable digital attenuators to set Gain, Output Power and provide RF muting capability. FPGA based digital controller section is used to realize ALC functionality and constant gain over temperature. Gain variation of 0.4 dB is achieved over a temperature range of -10 to 60°C.