A Q-Band Gallium-Nitride (GaN) Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) Using Spatial Power Combining

ABSTRACT: Mission Microwave proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of a Q-Band Solid-State Power Amplifier (SSPA) utilizing novel, compact and low-loss spatial power combining and a high-efficiency Gallium Nitride (GaN) MMIC power amplifier design to achieve more than 45W linear power with more than 35% PAE at Q-Band.Mission Microwave also proposes to fabricate and test the spatial power combiner to prove feasibility at Q-Band, and to complete a full SSPA system analysis (including thermal and mechanical design) to ensure reliable operation over temperature.; BENEFIT: The result of this effort will be an industry-leading SSPA with efficiency levels previously only achieved at Q-Band by TWTAs, with a form factor smaller and lighter than other Q-Band SSPAs, and which will maintain reliable operation over temperature. The high transmit power achieved will ensure high data rates and reliable, secure communications with Milstar and AEHF satellite constellations.This SSPA will enable reductions in size, weight, and power consumption of SatCom transmitters and is ideally suited for protected Comms-on-the-Pause (COTP) and Comms-on-the-Move (COTM) applications; this SWaP reduction can extend mission lifetimes (especially in airborne or power-limited environments), reduce fuel and transport costs, and extend mission capabilities.