Solid State High Power Amplifier for Communications

InnoWave Inc. proposes to demonstrate a prototype of a solid state HPA that provides 1000W of output power in a 20-22 GHz band. Our modularized approach utilizes four 250W Bricks combined through a waveguide combiner. Future growth potential to 2000W output power was also demonstrated by extending the power level of the Bricks to 500W. The extended capacity is used to provide reserved capacity that can be activated if any of the PA units fail. The modularized approach along with reserved capacity demonstrated an extended MTBF along with graceful degradation characteristics and hot-swapping capability. The proposed system will maximize the reliability, sustainability, and supportability, leading to a reduction of overall life-cycle cost. As for the active device, MMIC power amplifier capable of 70W of output power is proposed and designed in the necessary frequency band. The Bricks that will integrate eight 70W MMICs and combines output power into a waveguide port is proposed. Its building block of 2 and 4 way combiners were built and demonstrated in Phase I. Final module will consist of four of these Bricks, cooling system made of heat pipe network, and Ethernet communication system for various status and command of functions. Approved for Public Release | 16-MDA-8951 (15 December 16)