GaN Technology for GPS L-band Space Power Amplification

ABSTRACT: Linearizer Technology, Inc. (LTI) proposes to produce an L-band GaN HPA exceeding GPS requirements with the highest possible power added efficiency (PAE) for use in space. Minimizing HPA cost will also be a primary design parameter. LTI"s mission is the production of flight hardware. It has significant experience with flight HPAs and currently has 100 linearizers and HPAs in orbit. LTI has demonstrated its ability to provide a UHF space PA with the highest PAE reported in the literature. LTI"s work at UHF has shown that the key factors to achieving high efficiency are 1) device selection and 2) circuit topology. Its UHF PA required a higher linearity than specified for GPS. However, GPS still needs some linearity. Although this requirement is minimal, even small improvements in space can be important. LTI will use its expertise in linearization to give its HPA design a PAE advantage. It already has a design for an L-band HPA meeting the power and PAE goals using U.S. made Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices. In Phase I, LTI will exploit its GaN HPA experience to produce a demonstration HPA exceeding the design goals. In Phase II, LTI will design and fabricate a space-qualified HPA. BENEFIT: LTI"s commercialization strategy is to become a highly cost competitive source of L-band satellite HPAs. This work will complement LTI"s space payload development plans. LTI produces RF and microwave hardware for use on satellites. LTI specializes in the production of linearizers and linearized power amplifiers for use on satellites. It has developed a relationship as a qualified supplier with several satellite manufactures and is working to expand these relationships. The successful completion of this project is anticipated to greatly enhance this business. The L-band HPA designed specifically for GPS satellite applications resulting from this work will open a huge market to LTI. (Just the current space linearizer market is estimated at more than 250 million dollars.) LTI has the facilities to produce and test ((including vibration and thermal-vac) space products. LTI's past support of the space/communications market has helped bring innovative and successful hardware to the marketplace. LTI is confident this project will lead to yet another successful endeavor. Unlike many small businesses, LTI is fortunate in that their existing staff presently supports a Marketing Department. Marketing Staff consists of a Marketing Manager, a graphic artist and a Marketing Assistant. Advertising campaigns are carefully planned and executed, and efforts in this area have been very successful. LTI has regularly exhibited at Satellite Exhibitions and the IEEE sponsored MTT IMS exhibitions. Advertisements have been placed in various industry magazines and the technical staff has published multiple articles. LTI remains very well aware of the customer base as well as the specific needs of the market place. Since ads and company literature are designed (and printed) in house, LTI already has the backbone in place to launch an extensive marketing campaign.