Spatial power combining for millimeter-wave solid state amplifiers

A novel method for obtaining high power amplification at millimeter-wave frequencies using spatial power combining is being developed. The method uses orthogonally polarized fields to isolate the input and output waves of a two-dimensional array of solid-state amplifiers. To demonstrate this technique, a proof-of-concept model was developed using a 69-element array of orthogonally polarized elements at 17 GHz. The proposed approach eliminates many of the problems associated with the feedthrough spatial power combiner because all the RF power is confined to just one side of the array. This allows the backside of the array to be used for heat sinking and bias connections. It also reduces the size to half that of the feedthrough combiner. The proposed spatial power combining technique holds the potential for producing high power amplification for communication and radar applications at millimeter-wave bands from solid-state transistor devices.<>