FPGA-SoC based S-band Radio Frequency power amplifier control

Radio Frequency power amplifiers such as the one used decades ago for the S-band (2.9 GHz – 3.1 GHz) 2.5 MW peak power output Twystron can be rescued, modernized and used today, replacing many of their digital controllers with a simple Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or FPGA System on Chip (FPGA-SoC). Starting with the inspection and description of the devices to be controlled, simulating their behavior, implementing hardware description language, adding the necessary peripherals and measuring at the system test points, this work tests that hypothesis and the experimental results are shown. This alternative represents not only an economic saving, but also the possibility of training and experimentation by converting an outdated system into one with a digital interface, greater reliability and greater adjustment options.