Shipboard Low Noise Amplifier Assembly.

Auriga Measurement Systems and M/A-COM team up in this program to address the issue of mast-mounted shipboard low noise amplifier assemblies, which are required to have not only rigorous electrical performance but also to withstand severe weather and corrosive environments. The assembly being created in this work will contain a high power self-protective non-reflective limiter, a high linearity LNA and a low-noise bypass switch. To provide reliable, operator-free performance this assembly will feature built-in-test (BIT) and repair capability. In the event of a failure, the assembly will be capable of detecting the problem, notifying the operator, and automatically repairing the problem for seamless operation. Most of the components will be integrated onto a single MMIC. The end result will be a low-cost, compact assembly capable of state-of-the-art LNA performance. The small size will allow for easy integration onto existing and future mast top assemblies. In Phase I, a detailed design analysis will be performed and a layout will be generated. In Phase I Option, a prototype assembly will be built using commercial components and tested. In Phase II, the MMIC designed in Phase I will be fabricated, hermetically packaged, thoroughly tested, and prepared for commercial and military applications.