Versatility and manufacturability considerations for a new 3-watt X-band power MMIC

The authors present a two-stage power amplifying monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) capable of delivering 3 W at X-band with high efficiency. They describe the utilization of the MMIC designed in applications differing both in frequency range and in bias conditions. This MMIC was designed for operation with external matching circuits on separate ceramic substrates. By customizing these circuits, the same MMIC can cover an entire array of different applications. The versatility of this approach was demonstrated by the implementation of this MMIC in four power modules specified for different bandwidths, power levels, and bias voltages. The small chip size and the tunability allowed by the external circuits resulted in increased manufacturing yields and made possible significant cost reductions.<>