High Linearity V-band Low Noise Amplifier

QuinStar Technology proposes to develop a packaged V-band LNA for NASA microwave sensing missions operating at 64-70 GHz. The LNA will achieve an optimized noise figure of 2.5 dB with an enhanced input referred P1dB greater than -10 dBm. We will accomplish these design goals by utilizing state-of-the-art 40nm GaN device technology and linearity optimized LNA design methodology.

Recent NASA research team at Langley Research Center (LaRC) has developed a concept based on dual-frequency, O2-band radar to measure the surface barometric pressure for improved weather and hurricane predictions. One of the key components for this radar system is a 64-70 GHz LNA at the receiver front-end. This LNA is required to have low NF while maintaining large input P1dB and high efficiency. No such LNA currently exists at these frequencies. This program is positioned to develop the LNA component that system designers will need. The LNA market covering the 57-95 GHz band is high due to the demand of radar and sensors for applications in autonomous mining, security and perimeter protection, traffic monitoring, and automated cruise control. In addition, the LNA operating in V- and E-band (57-86 GHz) are mainly applied for telecom applications, which includes automobile and inter-satellite data links in LEO constellations.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.