F-band Solid-State Power Amplifier (106-114 GHz)

An F-band SSPA is required for the Scanning Microwave Limb Sounder on the Global Atmospheric Composition Mission and the SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) airborne observatory. The proposed amplifier will drive the LO multiplier chain for mixers in the submillimeter-wave detector. We are using the state-of-the-art (SOA) GaN device technology based on wide bandgap materials to fabricate a solid-state power amplifier operating at F-band (106-114 GHz) frequencies. GaN devices are operating in a “quasi-switching” mode to achieve high drain efficiencies (>50%); higher efficiencies result in less DC power consumption, less waste heat and smaller heat sinks; the MMIC operate at lower temperatures and have longer lifetimes. A high-Q, matching network is developed on the MMIC to achieve the required power (1.2 Watts) and Power-Added-Efficiency (28%). We are using an innovative power combining network with small form factor to achieve combining power (4+ Watts) and efficiencies of greater than 90% over the band of 106 to 114 GHz.

Future NASA Earth Science missions require submillimeter-wave remote sensing instruments to monitor air quality, climate variability and change, ozone layer stability, weather, and the global hydrological cycle. Submillimeter-wave sensors can provide enhanced resolution over lower frequency sensors. A key enabler for this technology is an F-band (106-114 GHz) solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) as described in this proposal. Other applications include planetary missions which require W/F-band FMCW sensors to assist in planetary landings.

The technology developed in F-band is readily applicable to build amplifiers in communication systems for aeronautical navigation and broadcasting. Applications for this W/F-band high-efficiency amplifier technology also abound at agencies ranging from helicopter landing and obstacle detection/avoidance radars to cloud radar, UAV, and DoD’s V/W-band (Hotspots) communications systems.

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