Gallium Nitride (GaN) Device Technology Enhancements Leading to Advanced T/R Modules for

"Research, development, and experiment program that designs, develops, and conducts proof of concept demonstration for novel wideband powerline (PLN) technology to be integrated with Gallium Nitride Transmit/Receive (T/R) Module development. This initiativeexploits and extends emerging PLN technologies that are commercially available. Approach replaces separate cables and wires with single multipurpose powerline that provides power, control signals, and RF signals to sub-array T/R modules. Low lossconnectors inject and extract the signals from the cable; and, miniaturized power and signal adaptors are integrated to condition power to appropriate voltage levels for driving and demodulating T/R modules. Target objective enhancements for this widebandPLN technology initiative are: 1) increase bandwidth of powerline cables to Ghz's, 2) significantly reduce amount of cabling (cost and physical parameters), 3) improve overall system reliability, and 4) reduce the efficiency losses in cables, connections,and power adaptors. Tasks include: defining PLN requirements; surveying literature for optimum candidate supporting technologies; developing PLN phenomenology models; conducting proof-of-concept demonstration; and identifying technology transferopportunities. Performance specifications will be developed for Phase II prototype that will replicate MDA component for comparison of performance, reliability, physical attributes, and life cycle