Powerful and Compact SSPA Modules for Active Remote Sensing

The initial Phase II project has been focused on the development and demonstration of high-power amplifier modules in G-Band. These are based on new InP HBT MMIC amplifier chips developed by Teledyne and VDI’s innovative packaging technologies. Importantly, the VDI technologies have enabled the power combining of up to four MMIC chips within compact waveguide housings with very low loss. Using this technology, VDI has achieved up to 600 mW at 170 GHz, a record power level for a compact SSPA with only 8.4 W of dissipated power. However, this was well below the initial goal of one-watt output power. Through this Phase II-Extended project, VDI will extend the Phase II technology to achieve three important objectives. First, the 170 GHz power combining technology will be extended to achieve the one-watt goal in support of the NASA JPL VIPR program. Second, the technology will be extended to the WR4.3 waveguide band (170 – 260 GHz) to enable higher available power throughout this band and particularly at 240 GHz to support the NASA JPL CloudCube program. Finally, through the Phase III investment this effort will apply the new high-power WR4.3 amplifier modules to increase the test-port power of VNA frequency extenders in the WR4.3 band in support of AFRL’s work under the DARPA ELGAR program. The use of the more powerful SSPA technology in commercial test and measurement was envisioned as an important commercialization opportunity in the original SBIR proposals, and this work represents an important step in that direction. The deliverable items under this effort include a complete set of higher power WR4.3 VNA extenders for evaluation and use by AFRL and prototypes on the new 170 GHz and WR4.3 band SSPA modules to NASA JPL.

Higher power, high frequency amplifier modules are critical to NASA’s remote sensing programs in the upper millimeter-wave bands and into the terahertz frequency range. This includes radar applications such as JPL’s VIPR program at ~170 GHz and the CloudCube instrument at 240 GHz. The compact, efficient, and powerful amplifier modules can also be used with frequency multipliers to improve the overall performance of solid-state sources throughout the terahertz frequency band.

As commercially available sources have increased in frequency and improved in reliability and cost, new applications continue to emerge. This research will foster the continued development of improved sources throughout the terahertz frequency band, extending from ~100 GHz through 10 THz. Applications include commercial radar and imaging systems, remote sensing, and test & measurement equipment.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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