Ultra-Efficient P/UHF Band Power Amplifiers

The project willnbsp;advance Power Added Efficiency (PAE) beyond current commercial offerings in the P-band/UHF-band, targeting a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5-6 for the MMIC power amplifier. This effort is significant in its potential to enhance NASA#39;s communication and navigation for Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) conscious applications. It has implications for various NASA missions and programs, including the Ecosystems SAR (EcoSAR), Electra UHF Navigation Package, and follow-on Mars rovers akin to Perseverance and Curiosity. The high PAE UHF MMIC 25-watt power amplifiers resulting from this project will be utilized across 32 polarimetric transmit/receive modules within the aircraft#39;s radar electronics unit, demonstrating the potential impact of this technological advancement. The proposed UHF MMIC, with a PAE greater than 75%, offers benefits beyond NASA applications and holds potential for non-NASA commercial and Department of Defense (DoD) applications, including tactical radio (ground, shipborne, handheld), FirstNet Network, commercial 5G New Radio FR1, and UHF Air Traffic Control and Wind Profile Radar. Focusing on pushing the boundaries of UHF MMIC SSPA technology, the project is poised to make significant contributions to meeting the demands for high-efficiency ultra-high-frequency applications, underscoring the project#39;s relevance for both terrestrial and space exploration applications.