Ka-Band and Q-Band Low Noise Amplifiers

ABSTRACT:The primary objective is to design very low noise Ka and Q-Band low noise MMIC LNAs for space platforms and point to point digital radios. The noise figure for both LNAs is to be under 2.0dB with gain greater than 25dB. The input and output return loss is less than 10dB with an OIP3 greater than 10dBm. The operating temperature range is -20 deg C to +70 deg C. The LNAs are to have a power consumption that is less than 500mW. The LNAs are also expected to work in a cryogenic environment and withstand a radiation dose tolerance of 300krad at Ka band and 1 Mrad at Q-Band. Our design concept to meet these chanllengin technical objectives is the use of a 50nm MHEMT that has already been developed.BENEFIT:The development of these low noise MMIC LNAs will advance the performance of DoD receivers in the next generation satellite systems. The development of LNAs that will use this technology will enhance the performance of next generation satellite such as the commercial satellite market through out the Microwave and in the millieter wave region. Point to point digital radios noise figure will be lowered to improve the signal to noise ratio of their operation.