High-efficiency Phased-array Antenna Power Amplifier Modules

This Phase II proposal is presented as the follow on to the Phase I SBIR contract numberFA942-04-M-0102 entitled “Phase Array Antenna Power Amplifier Module” The power dissipation in amplifiers becomes a practical limit to the transmitter output power. One critical design goal for T/R modules, therefore, is maximization of the power-added efficiency (PAE) of the transmitter power amplifier. As more sophisticated modulation waveforms are introduced, however, power amplifiers in (or near) saturation introduce non-linear distortion of the signal in the form of amplitude and phase distortion and accompanying spectrum spreading and growth of unwanted side bands. This proposal is addressed to those requirements, and novel circuit techniques such as pre-distortion circuits and the Doherty type amplifier circuits aimed at reduction of signal distortion and efficiency enhancement of power amplifiers are implemented in and extended Doherty power amplifier. The Phase II program will lead to a development of a 21 GHz Doherty power amplifier delivering in excess of 40 dBm of output power with and associated PAE of greater than 40%. Beyond the specific MMIC mentioned, this Phase II SBIR will make significant contributions in GaN device characterization and the commercialization of GaN technology.