Efficient Space Borne MMIC Interface

We are proposing to develop high power, high efficiency Ka-band and W-band amplifiers for future NASA missions. The significance of the innovation primarily lies in two areas: better interconnections to available MMIC and extremely low loss power combiner. The approach uses Nuvotronics unique metal micromachining PolyStrataTM process, used to create suspended recta-coax lines, MMIC sockets, and millimeter-wave (MMW) interconnection circuits with low loss, small size/high density, and durability. During this Phase I project, we wil design two circuits at Ka and W-band using commercial of the shelf power amplifer MMICs to achieve the goal of 10 Watts (Ka) and 2 watts (W) output power with 20% efficiency.

We anticipate high volume product opportunities within the DOD and non-Government commercial markets. Within DOD, applications in communications and radar systems exist for advanced microwave components. Programs within the DOD such as the Army's WIN-T (Warfighter Information Network - Tactical) require high power Ka band amplifiers to meet requirements of satellite communications while on-the-move. Other key market opportunities driving future growth exist in the mobile backhaul, wireless enterprise bridge, wireless fiber lateral emulation, government and public safety networks, WirelessHD, and WiMax.

Our primary goal in this project is to provide NASA with higher power and more efficent Ka-band and W-band amplifiers. The initial application is MMW radars in advanced cloud and precipitation measurements for the Aerosol/Cloud/Ecosystems (ACE) Mission. Seconday NASA missions are future landers for the Mars Exploration Program as well as future terrestrial lunar communication systems (Constellation Program) which require miniaturized, low weight, reliable components at Ka band frequencies.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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