GaN C-Band HPA for Phased-Array Applications

In the UMS GH25-10 GaN MMIC technology a C-band high power amplifier (HPA) has been realized. The current design is primarily intended for use in a space-based SAR system with a center frequency of 5.4 GHz and a sweep bandwidth of 100 MHz. To enable reuse of the amplifier in other radar systems such as weather radar, a large bandwidth is required. A design bandwidth from 5 to 6 GHz has been used. Simulation and measurement data from on-wafer and mounted samples will be shown. Showing more than 50 W output power with 45% efficiency the HPA shows sufficient performance to be used in a module for state-of-the-art active electronically scanned arrays. The measured output power and efficiency are a record for MMIC amplifiers.