The last four years have seen rapid development in our range of microwave power modules (MPMs), starting with the GaN based solid state PTS6900 (optimised for EW) and closely followed by the ultra compact PTXM1000 series of TWT based MPMs. The latter were specifically designed for those radar, EW and communications applications that required high power performance in a small space.

New requirements for MPMs continuously emerge and TMD’s sales and engineering teams work closely together to launch new products into the market.

Last year saw the arrival of two new models:

NEW! PTX8110 Compact, high power MPM for radar and EW

The new PTX8110 operates from 6-18 GHz at 200 W and, with its compact design, is easily integrated into those high performance EW and radar systems requiring higher power. Comprising a high power helix travelling wave tube (TWT) and switched mode power supply, the PTX8110 forms a single ‘drop-in’ microwave amplifier unit without the need for potentially unreliable high voltage TWT interconnections. A high performance TWT is specified together with a low noise solid state preamplifier to provide optimum noise performance. It features high electrical efficiency, needs a minimum of cooling and operates over a wide temperature range – at high altitude and high humidity.

NEW! PTX8815 Ka band TWTA for high performance radar

The new PTX8815 TWTA from TMD is designed for Ka band radar applications such as naval fire control. Featuring broadband capability, covering 32 GHz–36 GHz, it offers a peak power of over 1100 W in the midband, and 600 W at the band edges with a maximum duty of up to 12%. This top class TWTA is the answer to high resolution radar requirements for low close-to-carrier phase noise and spurious performance. Its development follows the launch of the PTX8807 Ka band, 200 W CW/Pulsed MPM, aimed primarily at EW applications.

MAJOR ADVANCE IN THE MARKET PLACE

Since the launch of the PTCM series, TMD’s engineers have been very busy fulfilling the first phase of orders for these truly innovative products.

Imad Gharib, Sales Manager for RF & Microwave Amplifiers said: “The reaction from our customers has confirmed our decision to continue our investment in these modular amplifiers, which represent a major advance in the marketplace”.

Customer benefits include:

• Advanced self-diagnostics
• Ethernet interface
• Remote management and diagnostics
• VSWR reflected power protection
• Plug and Play field replaceable power supplies

TMD’S INSTRUMENTATION AMPLIFIER HISTORY IN BRIEF

For 25 years TMD has been providing instrumentation amplifiers for EMC testing, scientific laboratory and radar and EW simulation applications. These products are based on the same switched mode power supply technology as our MIL Spec rugged amplifiers with all the advantages of performance and reliability, but repackaged into compact and affordable rackmount units.

They cover the operating range DC-40 GHz up to 50 kW and can deliver the highest field strengths available in the test environment – thus meeting the most demanding worldwide testing standards including: RTCA/DO-160, MIL Standard EUROCAE and Airbus ABD 100.

Over the past three years we have been working on a programme of continuous improvement to our factory equipment and facilities. The aim is to ensure that we have the most modern, efficient and effective manufacturing operation, to enable us to provide world-class products and services to our customers; specifically, the best quality, reliability, delivery performance and customer service.

We are now well down the road in this process; the benefits are being realized and are clearly visible.

Examples include:

• An additional state of the art laser welder
• Upgraded leak-checking equipment
• New bake stands for tube processing
• Power supply assembly data fitted with individual screens for the efficient access of assembly data
• New LED lighting for many of the manufacturing areas including the tubes cleanroom
• Upgraded environmental control systems for tube manufacturing
• New flooring across the whole factory (including Electrostatic Discharge flooring (ESD) for relevant areas) to provide a modern, clean and safe working environment
• New test equipment providing greater flexibility and improved scheduling
• The introduction of visual management boards in manufacturing areas to enable at-a-glance reports of key processes and activities

Our improvement activity has been carried out with the valuable support and encouragement of our Sharing in Growth (SIG) partners (the prestigious government funded initiative for top performing aerospace manufacturers). SIG provides concentrated and tailored training and development programmes covering leadership, engineering excellence, lean operations, quality supply chain management, strategic thinking and planning.

www.tmdus.com

TMD Technologies, LLC (TMD USA) has recently upgraded its company website to further support its growing customer base in North America.

Tom Curtin, recently appointed to the new position of Vice President, Sales & Business Development commented: “We wanted a more user-friendly website that would be accessible to a range of different users, including engineers interested in technical product capabilities, buyers seeking background and contact information, and executives needing assurances of TMD’s outstanding legacy.”

The improved website allows customers to download technical data sheets and general product capability brochures, along with submitting a quote request or making a general inquiry.

Also, the latest developments in TMD’s evolving product line-up of microwave power modules (MPMs), travelling wave tubes (TWTs), high voltage power supplies, and commercial amplifiers will be posted to keep customers informed of the company’s expanding technical road maps.

The new TMD USA website will be updated regularly to announce company information, new product releases, and relevant technical information.

To maintain and support its growing market and customer base in North America, world class supplier of professional microwave products TMD Technologies, LLC (TMD USA) has appointed Tom Curtin to the position of Vice President, Sales & Business Development.

Mike Farley, CEO of TMD USA, said: “Tom brings extensive hands-on experience in dealing directly with our DoD US armed forces and aerospace/defence prime contractors involved with radar, test equipment, and EW/ECM systems. As an industry veteran with over 25 years of technical sales and business development experience in the electronic design, manufacture and test industry, Tom is a welcome and valued team addition to our on-going expansion strategy and presence in North America”.

We would like to thank all those who took part in the survey at the end of 2017. The feedback has been evaluated and shared with the relevant teams to take appropriate action where required. In the interest of on-going improvements, TMD will continue to send out the survey on a yearly basis in order to improve its product quality, reliability, customer service, delivery, brand, reputation and the website.

YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY!!!

TMD has acquired G2 Engineering Limited, a small, specialist hi-tech microwave design and manufacturing company currently based in nearby Greenford, West London. Established some 18 years ago, G2 Engineering is engaged in the design and manufacture of a range of radar transponders and support equipment for applications that include UAVs, missiles, and manned aircraft. Well known customers of G2 Engineering include MBDA and QinetiQ.

JANE McALISTER- SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

It’s my pleasure to have the opportunity to give you brief news on some of the current TMD activities.

The US office in Baltimore, Maryland has had a record year, winning a total of three new programmes in addition to orders received from our established customers. The US team has been further strengthened and the repair facility has seen good growth with rapid turnaround time.

We are heavily involved in the UK National Quantum Programme with a number of projects running to develop quantum enhanced products with a wide range of applications. The areas being addressed are: compact and rugged rubidium and caesium atomic clocks, compact frequency stabilized lasers and compact magneto optical traps. TMD is working with a number of academic and industrial partners on these projects which are described on page 7.

Red Air (aggressor) simulation is becoming increasingly important globally and TMD is supplying a number of customers with threat simulators for training systems. These are both ground based and airborne to allow a wide range of threats to be realistically simulated.

Finally, as power and frequency demands for EW platforms continue trending upwards, it’s clear that travelling wave tube (TWT) solutions, rather than solid state, offer proven technology advantages. When high power is the goal for radar and Electronic Warfare, TWT based solutions have repeatedly shown to be more efficient, durable, and cost effective over the life of the programme. With decades of tube technology experience behind us, and working at the forefront of tube innovation, TMD is well positioned to reinforce the suitability of tube based solutions at high power.

We are anticipating another year of growth and very much look forward to continuing the strong relationships we have with our valued customers.