HPA
Pronunciation: H-P-A
Also written as: HPA — High-Power Amplifier
A high-power radio frequency amplifier at a ground station that boosts the uplink transmit signal to the power level required to close the satellite link. Common types include TWTAs and SSPAs.
Full Definition
The HPA is one of the most critical components of a satellite earth station's RF transmission chain. It amplifies the low-level modulated carrier from the upconverter to the output power level needed to achieve the required EIRP. The two dominant HPA technologies are the Travelling Wave Tube Amplifier (TWTA), favoured for high-power applications, and the Solid-State Power Amplifier (SSPA), preferred for lower power and higher reliability. Editors should note that 'HPA' is always capitalised and expanded on first use in formal documents. It should not be confused with the LNA (Low-Noise Amplifier), which belongs to the receive chain, not the transmit chain.
Usage
Usage note: Expand on first use: 'High-Power Amplifier (HPA)'. Do not confuse with LNA, which is in the receive chain. Specify technology type (TWTA or SSPA) when relevant to the document context.
In Context
- "The 400 W TWTA high-power amplifier (HPA) was replaced with a 500 W SSPA to improve reliability at the teleport." — Equipment Upgrade Report
- "HPA output power must be backed off by 3 dB when carrying multi-carrier traffic to avoid intermodulation distortion." — Operations Manual