1 GHz GaAs buck converter for high power amplifier modulation applications

A fully integrated 1 GHz buck converter output stage, including on-chip inductor and DC output filtering has been realized, in a standard high-voltage breakdown GaAs MMIC technology. This is a significant step forward in designing high-speed power control of supply-modulated HPAs (high power amplifiers). Agile power controlled HPAs are intended to find application in high-efficiency transmitters for both radio communication and radar applications, especially in which phased array transmit chains are used. Rapid, accurately controlled, power efficient power supplies, with rapid ramp-up and ramp-down, provide control over HPA output signal envelope rise and fall-times versus spectral switching side-lobes. Simultaneously power efficient tapering of a phased array transmit antenna is possible without the need for applying special fixed attenuators or modified antenna elements.