Wide Bandgap Amplifier Linearization

Power amplifiers (PAs) providing high linearity, high efficiency and operating over a wide bandwidth are often required for tactical applications. Unfortunately, these parameters tend to work in opposition. Generally the higher the linearity of an amplifier, the poorer the efficiency. Likewise the wider the bandwidth of a PA, the lower the efficiency and the more difficult it is to achieve satisfactory linearity. Linearizer Technology, Inc. (LTI) has developed practical methods for the correction of distortion generated by PAs over multi-GHz bandwidths, and has demonstrated their effectiveness with wide bandgap devices. These techniques significantly improve PA efficiency for a given level of linearity. In some cases efficiency can be more than doubled. LTI will develop a broadband linearized amplifier module targeted for airborne phased array radar. Our goal is to provide PAs operating from 1 to 3 GHz that with 8-carriers, at a C/I ratio of 30 dB, have an efficiency of 50 percent. In Phase I system modeling and testing will be performed to identify a suitable GaN-based linearized amplifier. In Phase II a functionally equivalent module will be developed. In Phase III modules that can be flown on a test platform and used for environmental qualification will be produced