QUINSTAR TECHNOLOGY, INCORPORATED — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: AF093-148

Description

This proposal is aimed at the development of SSPAs in the 71-76 GHz band with output power>40 W, Gain>20 dB, power added efficiency >35%, and linearity (ACPR <-40 dBc) consistent with 16 QAM modulation bandwidth>60MHz. To achieve the high power output and high efficiency, we will first develop 1W power amplifier MMICs based on GaN/SiC HEMT device technology with push-pull amplifier configuration operated in class E switching mode operation. A pair of these MMIC devices are mounted into a small HPA module with 2W output as a building block. The HPA modules will be integrated by means of a 24 way low loss TE01 radial combiner to generate 40W power output preserving the MMIC high efficiency. To achieve the linearity, an envelope tracking digital pre-distortion linearization technique will be employed. These various approaches have been demonstrated individually at lower microwave frequencies. This program will result in a unique combination of these techniques at millimeter-wave frequencies, specifically at 71-76 GHz, to significantly raise the output power level, efficiency, and linearity of the SSPAs for future SATCOM, AISR system applications where a large volume of channels and high data rate transmission capabilities are required. BENEFIT: The high power, high efficiency, linear SSPA in the 71-76 GHz band will enable the development of future SATCOM/AISR communication systems that require very large volume of high data rate communications. It can also be used for telemetry links in deep space missions. The technology will also be applicable to many commercial communication systems that are being development or planned using V-, E-, and W-bands.