Description
CPI VKC-7936 C-Band Klystron RF Tube 3.5kW Satcom 5.925-6.425 GHz 24 Channel
The CPI VKC-7936 is a high-power C-band klystron RF tube designed for satellite uplink ground station transmitters. Manufactured by Communications & Power Industries (CPI) in Canada, this klystron delivers 3,508 watts of output power across the full C-band uplink frequency range of 5.925 to 6.425 GHz. It is fitted with a JetSat 24-channel mechanical tuning controller that allows selection of any of 24 discrete uplink channels from 5945 MHz to 6405 MHz via a front-panel LOCK/UNLOCK mechanism and TUNE controls.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: CPI (Communications & Power Industries)
- Model: VKC-7936 / Part No. VKC 7936L24
- Tube Type: Klystron
- Frequency Band: C-Band Uplink
- Frequency Range: 5.925 to 6.425 GHz
- Number of Channels: 24
- Channel Frequencies: 5945 MHz (Ch 1) through 6405 MHz (Ch 24), in 20 MHz steps
- Output Power: 3,508 W (3.5 kW)
- Gain: 44 dB
- Instantaneous Bandwidth: 500 MHz
- Beam Voltage: 8.3 kVDC
- Beam Current: 1.11 Amps
- Heater Voltage: 6.0 VDC
- Heater Current: 5.9 Amps
- Body Current (No Drive): 1.9 mA
- Heater Wire: Yellow; Heater Cathode Wire: White
- Output Interface: WR-137 rectangular waveguide flange
- Tuning Controller: JetSat 24-channel mechanical tuner with LOCK/UNLOCK and TUNE controls
- Country of Manufacture: Canada
- Serial Number: 73439
Applications
Klystron power tubes like the CPI VKC-7936 are the core RF amplification element in C-band satellite uplink earth stations and VSAT hub transmitters. They are used in ground-based High Power Amplifier (HPA) systems to drive C-band uplink signals to geostationary communications satellites at power levels sufficient to overcome path losses over the 35,000+ km link. C-band uplink (5.925–6.425 GHz) paired with C-band downlink (3.7–4.2 GHz) has been the backbone of commercial satellite broadcasting, international telephony, and data networks since the 1970s and remains in active use today for broadcast contribution feeds, VSAT networks, and government/military satcom. The VKC-7936's 24-channel mechanical tuner makes it well suited to systems requiring discrete channel operation across the full uplink band. Compatible with CPI, EEV, and similar klystron-based HPA chassis that accept a magnetically focused, waveguide-output klystron in this power class. High-voltage klystron tubes that have been in storage should be brought back to full beam voltage gradually using a standard klystron conditioning procedure to allow any residual gas to be absorbed before full-power operation.
This CPI VKC-7936 C-Band Klystron RF Tube has been inspected and is in good used condition. It was pulled from a working satcom environment where it was in active service. One important note specific to klystron tubes: after a period of storage, these tubes can gas up internally, and the beam voltage should be brought up slowly and carefully during recommissioning rather than applying full high voltage immediately — this is standard practice for stored klystrons and does not indicate a fault with the tube itself. The unit shows normal cosmetic wear consistent with field use. Please review our full photo set carefully and contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
CPI (Communications & Power Industries) |
Model: |
VKC-7936 |
MPN: |
VKC 7936L24 |
SKU: |
31847 |
Type: |
Klystron RF Power Tube |
Frequency Band: |
C-Band |
Frequency Range: |
5.925 to 6.425 GHz |
Number of Channels: |
24 |
Output Power: |
3,508 W (3.5 kW) |
Gain: |
44 dB |
Instantaneous Bandwidth: |
500 MHz |
Beam Voltage: |
8.3 kVDC |
Beam Current: |
1.11 Amps |
Heater Voltage: |
6.0 VDC |
Heater Current: |
5.9 Amps |
Body Current (No Drive): |
1.9 mA |
Heater Wire Color: |
Yellow |
Heater Cathode Wire Color: |
White |
Application: |
Satellite Uplink / C-Band SATCOM Ground Station |
Output Interface: |
WR-137 Waveguide Flange |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
Canada |
Seller Notes: |
Klystron tube only with JetSat tuning controller assembly — no HV power supply or system rack included. |
Condition Notes: |
This CPI VKC-7936 C-Band Klystron RF Tube has been inspected and is in good used condition, pulled from a working satcom environment. Note: after storage, klystron tubes can gas up — bring beam voltage up slowly during recommissioning. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |