Dual-Band, Multi-Platform High Power Amplifiers for SATCOM Uplinks

QuinStar Technology proposes to develop a dual-band, linear-efficient high-power amplifier to replace airborne and ground platform amplifiers that singularly address either Ka-band or Q-band but not both simultaneously. Specifically, we propose to develop a dual-band 100-W SSPA operating concurrently over the 29-31 GHz band and 43.5-45.5 GHz band with an associated PAE greater than 30%. The efficiency and power goals of this program will be met by employing a combination of state-of-the-art Gallium Nitride device technology, an innovative circuit design including a switching mode (Class-F) to improve efficiency, and a low loss waveguide power combiner network. The dual-band power amplifier is expected to have applicability to cost-effective multi-platform SATCOM uplink transmitters including future frequency hopping applications for airborne platform-based uplinks in advanced SATCOM concepts.