High-Efficiency, Flat Gain 5-Watt X-band MMIC, for Large Volume Production

A power amplifying X-band MMIC is reported, that delivers 5W saturated power over a 27% bandwidth. It was developed for operation at constant input power and with a restricted gain compression throughout its frequency range. Under these conditions, gain flatness becomes relevant for the power performance. A linear design procedure was developed for the interstage circuit, aimed towards maximum efficiency and flatness. Test results for a single-ended module built around this MMIC indicate, for a gain compression not exceeding 3 dB, an output power between 4.4 and 5.2W, with a small signal gain of 19 ± 1 dB and with 32 - 36 % power-added efficiency.