While high efficiency is always a desirable attribute, it becomes less of a factor in operating cost in markets where electric power costs are low. In the US, for example, and other markets with lower energy costs, system reliability and maintenance metrics assume more significant roles in determining total cost of ownership. High efficiency should be a “given” when selecting a transmitter. But Continental believes that coaxing the last ounce of efficiency should not be done at the expense of compromising reliability, or requiring additional or more frequent and complex maintenance. This is especially important where electric power is affordable and can be half the cost as other markets.
Continental’s CTX Series geared for the US market offers a design approach which strikes a balance in transmitter Performance, Reliability, and Efficiency. GaN (gallium nitride) device technology delivers the inherent and proven ability to support much higher junction temperatures. This fundamental paradigm has enabled our designers to focus on transmitter reliability and repair simplicity. The result is a transmitter which delivers high efficiency and broadband performance, along with improved reliability and minimum maintenance costs. In addition, the low operating temperatures and resulting high transistor MTBF figures now enable Continental to provide a 10-year transistor warranty to our customers, which is fully backed up by the transistor manufacturer.
In short, television broadcasters no longer need to sacrifice reliability, nor spend more time maintaining transmitters, just to get a minor bump in operating efficiency. With GaN transistors, Continental’s CTX Series offers unequaled performance, low maintenance, and long-life power amplifier devices.