GPA35
Gjallarhorn Power Amplifier 35W -- User's Guide
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Operating Procedures & Safety Precautions

Safety precautions

Electrical

  • The GPA35 operates at high power. Disconnect DC input power before opening the enclosure, connecting/disconnecting cabling, or servicing the unit.
  • Confirm supply polarity and that your source is current-limited/fused appropriately before connecting power (Installation & Setup). Do not exceed the 12VDC-48VDC input range.
  • Discharge before handling boards directly – the unit's RF/analog circuitry is ESD-sensitive.

RF exposure

  • The GPA35 can output up to 35W (+45.4 dBm) of RF power (Overview & Features). Never look into or place body parts near an energized RF output or antenna.
  • Always terminate the RF output into a rated load or antenna before applying input drive – do not key the PA into an open or mismatched port.
  • Follow your site's RF exposure/safety procedures for the frequency range and power level in use (0.3GHz-6GHz).

Thermal

  • The unit requires a minimum of 20 CFM forced airflow across the heatsink at full drive to stay within its safe operating envelope (Maintenance & Repair). Do not operate without adequate airflow.
  • Ambient operating temperature: -20C to 55C nominal (Overview & Features). The heatsink and enclosure can be hot to the touch during and shortly after operation.

Handling

  • Support the unit by its enclosure, not by RF or DC cabling.
  • Do not obstruct the airflow path around the heatsink fins when mounting (Installation & Setup).

Standard operating procedure

  1. Complete Installation & Setup (mounting, RF, DC power, host interface, airflow) before applying power.
  2. Power up per the sequence in Installation & Setup Section 5.
  3. Configure the RF path, attenuation, filter, and gain via libqynetic (Configuration via libqynetic) for your intended operating point before applying RF input drive.
  4. Apply RF input drive at or below the level appropriate for your configured gain/attenuation setting.
  5. Monitor telemetry (temperature, current, rail voltages – streamed over USB-C, Configuration via libqynetic) during operation.
  6. To shut down: remove RF drive first, then remove DC power. Allow the heatsink to cool before handling.

Operating limits summary

Parameter Limit
DC input voltage 12VDC - 48VDC
Ambient temperature -20C to 55C nominal
Minimum forced airflow 20 CFM
RF output power up to 35W (+45.4 dBm)

Exceeding these limits risks permanent damage to the unit.