Continuous Output Microwave Energy Transformer (COMET) for High Efficiency Space Broadcasting

The IS4S/Auburn approach will be centered about a Continuous Output Microwave Energy Transformer (COMET) leveraging new GaN on SiC components from leading multi-million dollar research facilities and manufacturers with the purpose of developing novel Solar Power Satellite RF-DC solutions. This approach will navigate the entire DC-RF process from DC input to antenna port while running at a minimum of 200W Continuous Wave (CW) operation. The IS4S/Auburn team seeks to integrate reactive harmonic suppression of destructive signal interference surrounding the RF power amplifier in order to realize high efficiencies from new industry leading GaN on SiC transistors. In addition to coupling this efficiency improvement the IS4S/Auburn team will identify and utilize highly efficient and ruggedized signal generators that produce extremely narrow-band spectral emissions and low-noise amplifiers that provide low-loss signal gain to feed the larger power amplifier(s) of the COMET system.  The high-level objective of the IS4S/Auburn response to the SF22B-T002 effort is to develop a compact, rugged, and efficient DC-RF solution that can be easily integrated with a modular satellite power system architecture.