Delivering Reliable Satellite Uplinks with 400W GaN BUCs for Türkiye’s National Broadcaster
Client: TRT (Türkiye Radyo Televizyon Kurumu) | Location: Türkiye
Challenge: To modernize TRT’s fleet of mobile broadcasting vehicles by replacing aging TWT amplifiers with robust, high-efficiency 400W GaN BUCs, ensuring reliable satellite uplinks across diverse climatic conditions and challenging terrain.
Solution: Integration of custom 400W GaN BUC systems with enhanced power output, optimized thermal management, and space-efficient designs tailored for TRT’s existing mobile broadcast infrastructure.
Key Technologies: 400W GaN BUCs, solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs), custom thermal management systems.
The Challenge: Modernizing TRT’s Broadcast Fleet for Uninterrupted Operations
TRT, Türkiye’s national broadcaster, required a significant upgrade to its mobile broadcasting vehicles to ensure uninterrupted satellite transmissions during critical live events. The legacy TWT amplifiers were prone to frequent maintenance issues and operational inefficiencies. The new system needed to deliver higher power output, improved energy efficiency, and resilience to Türkiye’s diverse climatic conditions—all while integrating seamlessly into TRT’s existing vehicle infrastructure with minimal modifications.
The PALS Solution: Cutting-Edge GaN Technology and Custom Engineering
PALS deployed state-of-the-art 400W GaN BUCs, engineered to exceed industry standards and tailored for TRT’s specific operational needs.
- High-Performance GaN BUCs:
- Frequency Range: 13.75 – 14.5 GHz
- Output Power: Achieved 475W (56.77 dBm) in factory tests, exceeding contractual requirements by 12.5%.
- Energy Efficiency: Power factor of 0.97 – 0.98, reducing operational costs and energy consumption.
- Environmental Resilience: Designed for reliable performance in extreme temperatures and diverse geographic conditions.
- Space-Optimized Integration:
- Custom mounting solutions enabled seamless installation of SSPAs in confined vehicle spaces without major structural changes.
- Advanced thermal management systems ensured optimal heat dissipation, critical for maintaining performance in compact environments.
- Operational Efficiency:
- The solid-state design of GaN BUCs significantly reduced maintenance needs and extended equipment lifespan compared to legacy TWT systems.
- The upgraded systems guaranteed broadcast continuity during live events, even in remote or challenging environments.
The Result: Setting a New Standard for Broadcast Reliability
PALS delivered a future-proof solution that transformed TRT’s mobile broadcasting capabilities:
- Enhanced Performance: The 400W GaN BUCs consistently delivered higher power output and reliability, ensuring uninterrupted satellite uplinks.
- Minimal Disruption: Custom engineering allowed for efficient integration into existing vehicles with limited modifications.
- Long-Term Value: The transition to solid-state amplifiers reduced maintenance costs and extended the operational life of TRT’s broadcast fleet.
- Industry Leadership: This project marked TRT’s first deployment of SSPAs in mobile broadcast vehicles, setting a new benchmark for broadcast technology in Türkiye.