Description
CPI VZC6967AM 750W C-Band TWTA HPA Satellite High Power Amplifier 5.85-6.65 GHz
The CPI VZC6967AM is a 750-watt C-Band traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) high power amplifier (HPA) built by Communications & Power Industries (CPI) Satcom Division. It delivers 750 W of RF output power across the 5.850–6.650 GHz C-Band uplink frequency range in a compact 5U rackmount chassis. The unit is designed for wideband, single-carrier, and multi-carrier satellite uplink service, and features a microprocessor-controlled front panel with alphanumeric display, keypad, digital metering, and pin diode attenuation. The core amplifying element is a dual-depressed collector helix traveling wave tube (TWT) manufactured by CPI.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: CPI (Communications & Power Industries) Satcom Division
- Model: VZC6967AM
- Part Number: 102037005
- Secondary Model: 20000000
- Output Power: 750 W
- Frequency Range: 5.850–6.650 GHz (C-Band uplink)
- Form Factor: 5U rackmount
- TWT Tube Type: VTC-6361D3A (CPI Helix Vacuum Electron Device)
- TWT Tube Serial No.: 07E007
- TWT Accept Date: 0726
- TWT Element — Heater: 6.3 Vdc / 1.33 A
- TWT Element — Cathode: -11.1 kVdc / 438.1 mA
- TWT Element — Collector 1: 5.772 kVdc / 209.1 mA
- TWT Element — Collector 2: 2.886 kVdc / 224.5 mA
- TWT Element — Helix Current: 4.5 mA
- RF Interface: Waveguide input/output ports (rear panel)
- Control Interface: Front-panel keypad, alphanumeric display, RS-232 / computer interface
- Features: Digital metering, pin diode attenuation, optional integrated linearizer
- Signal Compatibility: Wideband, single-carrier and multi-carrier satellite service
- Rear Connectors: Stacked D-sub control connectors, circular multi-pin connector, waveguide RF port, large exhaust cooling fan
- Country of Manufacture: United States
- Included: Unit only — no external cables or documentation
Applications
C-Band TWTA high power amplifiers like the CPI VZC6967AM are the primary RF power stage in satellite earth station uplink chains, driving the antenna feed to transmit signals to geostationary satellites in the 5.85–6.65 GHz C-Band uplink spectrum. HPAs of this class are used in fixed earth stations, teleport facilities, and transportable flyaway satellite terminals where high power in a compact chassis is essential. The dual-depressed collector TWT topology was a standard in professional satcom HPAs from the 1990s through the 2000s, offering high efficiency and good linearity for SCPC, MCPC, and digital video broadcast (DVB) service. CPI's Satcom Division (formerly Varian) produced these amplifiers for commercial, government, and military satellite communications applications worldwide. Technicians and earth station operators acquiring this unit for parts or repair should note the TWT tube ratings plate is visible and readable — useful for assessing tube condition during diagnosis.
This CPI VZC6967AM 750W C-Band TWTA High Power Amplifier powers on and completes its startup sequence — the display runs through the power-on self-test and the unit is responsive — but our vendor reported intermittent failures, and the photos show active fault indications on the panel (EXT INTERLOCK FAULT, with multiple Fault and Inhibit LEDs lit). Because of these unresolved faults, the unit is being sold strictly as-is for parts, repair, or a technician with the specialized equipment to diagnose and correct the issue. We have not tested it beyond power-on and have not attempted any repairs. The TWT tube (CPI VTC-6361D3A, S/N 07E007, Accept Date 0726) is present inside the unit and visible in the photos. The chassis shows normal wear consistent with field use — scuffs and handling marks on the top cover and rear panel. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
CPI (Communications & Power Industries) |
Model: |
VZC6967AM |
MPN: |
102037005 |
Secondary Model: |
20000000 |
SKU: |
52290 |
Type: |
C-Band TWTA High Power Amplifier (HPA) |
Seller Notes: |
Unit only — no external cables or documentation included. |
Tube Type: |
VTC-6361D3A |
Tube Serial Number: |
07E007 |
Tube Accept Date: |
0726 |
Frequency Band: |
C-Band |
Frequency Range: |
5.850–6.650 GHz |
Output Power: |
750 W |
Form Factor: |
Rackmount, 5U |
Application: |
Satellite Uplink / Earth Station HPA |
Interface Type: |
Waveguide RF I/O, D-Sub control, circular multi-pin |
Control Interface: |
Microprocessor, front panel keypad, RS-232/computer |
Features: |
Pin diode attenuation, digital metering, optional linearizer |
Signal Service: |
Wideband, single- and multi-carrier |
Heater Voltage: |
6.3 Vdc |
Heater Current: |
1.33 A |
Cathode Voltage: |
-11.1 kVdc |
Cathode Current: |
438.1 mA |
Collector 1 Voltage: |
5.772 kVdc |
Collector 1 Current: |
209.1 mA |
Collector 2 Voltage: |
2.886 kVdc |
Collector 2 Current: |
224.5 mA |
Helix Current: |
4.5 mA |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Condition Notes: |
CPI VZC6967AM 750W C-Band TWTA HPA powers on but vendor-reported intermittent failures confirmed by active fault LEDs (EXT INTERLOCK FAULT). Sold strictly as-is for parts or repair. TWT tube VTC-6361D3A present. |
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 |