GaAs MMIC integrated diode limiters

The main scope of the paper is a basic investigation/characterisation of monolithically integrated GaAs MMIC limiters based on standard Schottky diodes. The paper brings up the front-door vulnerability and protection of microwave sensor systems in terms of front-door coupled electric overstress (EOS). Special attention is put into active electronically scanned antennas (AESA), i.e. active phased arrays. A comparison is made, in terms of front-door vulnerability of traditional radar/EW systems versus wide-band multi-role AESA systems. The foreseen main protection technologies are listed and compared where integrated GaAs diode limiters offer some important advantages in terms of cost, multi-functionality and commercial availability. A relatively comprehensive evaluation of GaAs diode limiters has been performed and the main results are presented. Furthermore, two designed and measured low noise GaAs MMIC circuits utilizing integrated diode limiters are presented.