[Elecraft] K3/100 input voltage and TX IMD

[Gil Cross]

        It would be interesting to check the voltage drop from the APP on the K3 to the cathode of D11 ( component of KPA3) when under a 100 watt load.

            73     Gil   K8EAG
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Rick Shindley 
  To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 11:09 PM
  Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 input voltage and TX IMD


  A solid state linear RF PA will generate more IMD if the supply voltage sags on current peaks. How much distortion vs voltage change depends on the amplifier design and components used.

   

  Someone reported here that he increased the supply voltage a bit and noted a 1 to 2 dB reduction in TX IMD.  He also reported a 400 mV drop in the supply at the back of his K3/100 during Tx.  Increasing the supply voltage but still having a 400mV "droop" and yet seeing a slight reduction in TX IMD hints at the sensitivity of the relationship between supply voltage and TX IMD.

   

  I measured the voltage drop at the Power Pole connector at the back of my K3/100 while transmitting 100W CW out on 14.350 MHz into a dummy load. I found a 270mV drop due to the standard length power cable from Elecraft (IR loss) and 20mV due to the supply (Astron RM-35) load regulation capability for a total "droop" of 290mV.    

   

  So on SSB voice peaks or CW at 100W there is at least a 290 mV (and some say 400mV) drop in the supply voltage to the radio.  It may even be a bit more inside the rig at the PA due to connector contact resistance and trace routing on the PCB. The slight drop in voltage will contribute to the amount of distortion in the output.  Could this be the cause of the reported variations in measured TX IMD among rigs?    

   

  Rick 

  KC0OV



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