Ultra-Efficient RFIC Power Amplifiers for Phased-Array-Communications

This Direct-to-Phase-2 SBIR project undertakes the redesigning and modification of a commercial SATCOM Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit Power Amplifier (RFIC-PA) to fit a specific defense need for the Air Force's Project HALO (High Altitude, Long-Range Operation). This adjustment involves lowering the frequency within the Ku-band from a SATCOM-band of 17.8 to 18.6 GHz to 14.4 to 15.4 GHz for project HALO. The commercial-variant RFIC-PA, a product of a leading satellite communications customer, will undergo a slight frequency reduction while preserving other specifications, such as its 10 watts output power and 50% high efficiency. The redesigned RFIC-PA will bolster the Air Force and DoD-wide Ku-band communication systems compatible with next-generation HALO networks by offering extended range, reduced size, and weight. The resultant communication systems will be more effective and agile due to the ultra-high-efficiency Ku-Band RFIC-PAs. Key stakeholders, including the key DoD-Prime stakeholders, AFRL, DoD at large, and other commercial partners, support this project, which will see the RFIC-PA integrated into HALO systems in Phase-3 and future projects. The integration promises significant advancements in phased-array systems for HALO communications, with ultra-high-efficiency Ku-Band RFIC-PAs which will result in significantly reducing the end-system's overall size, weight, and power consumption. The project demonstrates high technical merit, with commercial SATCOM RFIC-PA delivering industry-leading efficiency over 50% and high output power of 10 Watts across the 17.8 to 18.6 GHz range. The RFIC-PA, which was developed through a Phase-1-like project funded by the AFRL Sensors Directorate, which demonstrated technical expertise in innovative RFIC-PA developments that this proposed project is based upon. This proposal aligns with the recently-passed CHIPS Act's goals to enhance the U.S. semiconductor industry and boost national security through the development of advanced microelectronics technologies. The Dual Use Technology of Recon-RF's commercial SATCOM Ku-Band RFIC-PA has over 50% efficiency, which outperforms competing solutions by a factor of x2. It also requires a straightforward redesign within the Ku-Band to the 14.4-15.4 GHz range, ensuring its compatibility with specific end-systems.