Noise Canceling Rad Hard Extremely High Frequency (EHF) Low Noise Amplifier

ABSTRACT:A Phase II program to develop and deliver a set of Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) and MMICs with ultra-low noise figures is proposed. The noise figures of less than 0.65 dB represent a reduction of nominally 0.5 dB over available LNAs for covering the Satcom receive band of 20.2 to 21.2 GHz. The designs include common-source and noise-cancelling topologies. The proposed LNAs will provide the linear power, gain, and noise figure performance to meet the needs of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) and Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) satellite networks. A subset of the amplifiers will be designed for High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) hardness. The proposed baseline technology, 50 nm InP MHEMTs grown on GaAs, shows the lowest noise and highest gain in K-band and is scaleable to higher volume production. The LNA designs and device technology will be applicable for noise reduction in adjacent Satellite-Earth receive bands encompassing 17.3 21.2 GHz as well as in terrestrial links in nearby bands. The linearity, power consumption, gain, dynamic range, and other parameters will be investigated.BENEFIT:The proposed ultra-low noise amplifiers will directly meet the needs of Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF), Wideband Global Satcom (WGS), Satcom On-the-Go, and Single Channel Anti-Jam Man-Portable (SCAMP) among others. The receivers lower noise and lower power consumption will expand the trade space between antenna aperture size, link distance/margin, and transmitter RF and DC power. The subset of LNAs will be designed to address the High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) threat and help quantify protective measures. Applications in adjacent or wider bands include satellite-to-satellite links, full-waveguide bandwidth weather and ice-coverage observation, radio astronomy (low-power consumption cooled LNAs), battlefield communications, and secure communications. Dual-use applications include commercial satellite fixed and mobile reception in the 17.3-20.2 GHz band.