Next Generation Ultra-linear Super High Frequency/Extremely High Frequency (SHF/EHF) Solid State Power Amplifiers

QuinStar Technology proposes to develop an ultra-linear, 1-watt solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) operating at 44 GHz with a power-added efficiency (PAE) of greater than 30%. To accomplish these goals we will 1) develop a new high-efficiency MMIC with an efficiency of greater than 40% and 2) develop a digital linearization network that linearizes the MMIC characteristics while maintaining its efficiency over a wide dynamic range. We are proposing to team with TriQuint Semiconductor for the MMIC development and the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) for the linearizer development. This alliance brings together the leading U.S. GaAs foundry with the acknowledged leader in digital linearization techniques. During Phase I, we have demonstrated the validity of our approach by using computer simulations and experimental measurements with commercial MMICs. We have also designed and simulated a 1.5W MMIC operating at 44 GHz with a PAE of over 40%. This is SOA. Using this MMIC in a simulator, we have demonstrated our linearization method with ACPR levels well below -40 dBc and efficiencies approaching 40%. Further, using commercial MMICs operating at 44 GHz, we have demonstrated ACPR improvements of 40 dB and efficiency improvements as high as a factor of 5. BENEFIT: The technology developed under this program will address the market for high-efficiency, linear power amplifiers, not only for this MILSATCOM application, but also for satellite/spacecraft communications and applications operating in the radar bands (33 to 38 GHz). This work could also be important for the Army’s SATCOM On the Move (OTM) program. We estimate that the market for Ka/Q-band power amplifiers (space-based, SATCOM and radar) is in the range of $50M per year and growing rapidly. The Air Force is currently developing a communications system operating at E-band frequencies (71-76 GHz), which requires linear power amplifiers. The efficiency and linearity requirements for this amplifier are similar to those for the proposed Q-band amplifier, and consequently, the E-band program could benefit from this proposed Phase II program. In particular, the linearization techniques developed under this program could be applied directly to the E-band linear amplifier application. This linearization technology is not limited to military or government applications, but can be applied to other linear power amplifier applications such as downlinks for commercial satellites, linear power amplifiers for cellular base stations, etc.