GaN Technology for GPS L-band Space Power Amplification

ABSTRACT: The use of space is increasing and becoming an essential component for infrastructure in communication, disaster relief efforts, agriculture and weather monitoring, and navigation and timing. Especially global positioning system (GPS) is widely used to determine location of users. Due to a demand for better reception of global positioning system (GPS) receiver, it is planned for the output power of the satellite to increase up to 400 W in the next generation. However, it results in significantly higher weigh and cost due to increasing the volume of the power systems. This project seeks improvements in the efficiency of future GPS L-band amplifier for cost savings associated with low DC power consumption. In response to the solicitation, MaXentric is proposing a GaN power amplifier, which maintains high efficiency and signal integrity even if a non-constant envelope signal is delivered. BENEFIT: The next generation US Global Positioning System (GPS), the Russian Federation"s GLONASS, the European Galileo, the Chinese Compass, the Japanese QZSS, and the Indian IRNSS, are expected to open a wider range of applications. Such applications will drive the system design toward enhanced resolution, increased accuracy, complete coverage, and extremely high reliability. One of the most significant modifications required by the radio-frequency (RF) payload will be an increased output power, which requires more efficient Power Amplifier. We believe our proposed technology can meet the high-efficiency GaN HEMT design and provide the payload of future navigation satellites with a high RF output power (>400 watts) and high efficiency (>60%).In order to test the product and move the proposed solution to commercialization, MaXentric will capitalize on our existing relationships with the major Prime Contractors and other commercial partners.