W-band Airborne SATCOM Power Amplifier

ABSTRACT: Linearizer Technology-GOV with L-3 Communications EDD proposes to produce a 100W power amplifier covering the 81 to 86 GHz band with the goal of a linear output power of 50W at a power efficiency of 20%, > 30% PAE with additional TWT development. The HPAs linear power is based on an adjacent channel power ratio of < -30 dB at a 1 symbol rate spacing with a 12/4 APSK modulated carrier, which will be achieved at an output power backoff from saturation of less than 3 dB. The HPA will be in the form of a linearized MPM with < 16 lbs, and designed to operate up to 80 C. The final amplifier stage is a TWT employing a robust, all-metallic circuit from the coupled cavity family. LTI has developed a predistortor with the nonlinear characteristics needed to linearize 92 to 96 GHz W-band TWT. Integration and test with the TWT is planned for January 2013. LTI is designing a linearizer operating with a TWT 81 to 86 GHz, and has demonstrated appropriate correction characteristics for this band. The design of this linearizer and the W-band TWT for operation at 81 to 86 GHz will be completed in phase I. BENEFIT: This technology has value for both space-borne and airborne platforms, as well as ground-based systems. This work will result in a new baseline for W-band HPA efficiency and linearity. It will also provide a key component in the production of compact, efficient, linezr HPAs to meet the needs of SATCOM W-band AISR communications, for which no alternative solution currently exists.