12-W [Formula Omitted]-Band MMIC HPA and Driver Amplifiers in InGaP-GaAs HBT Technology for Space SAR T/R Modules

• Published in: IEEE transactions on microwave theory and techniques 2012-06, Vol.60 (6), p.1805
• Main Authors: Florian, Corrado, Paganelli, Rudi Paolo, Lonac, Julio Andres
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0018-9480; 1557-9670
• DOI: 10.1109/TMTT.2012.2189234

The chip-set for the transmitting power lineup of satellite SAR antenna T/R modules has been designed and implemented exploiting a 2-[Formula Omitted] GaInP-GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) technology suitable for space applications. The HBT technology features an integrated emitter ballast resistor that enables high-power density operation without suffering thermal runaway phenomena. Two monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) driver amplifiers and a MMIC HPA are described: the drivers exhibit small-signal gains exceeding 21 dB and P1 dB output power of about 28 and 29 dBm, respectively, in a 2-GHz bandwidth and CW condition. The HPA delivers more than 40-dBm power at about 2.5-dB gain compression and power-added efficiency (PAE) exceeding 36% in a 700-MHz bandwidth in pulsed operation. Its peak performance at the center of the band are 40.9-dBm output power and 45% PAE. These performance are obtained within tight de-rating conditions for space applications.