Characterization of a low-noise linearized microwave power amplifier module

An X-band, low-noise, linearized microwave power amplifier module consisting of a low-noise solid-state amplifier (SSA), predistortion linearizing circuit, and low-gain helix traveling wave tube (TWT) is designed and tested in order to demonstrate both reduced noise figure and suppressed intermodulation distortion ratio. Two-tone intermodulation distortion (IMD) ratios are predicted from simulations obtained from modeling of the TWT, linearizing circuit, and SSA by the use of Agilent´s Advanced Design System simulation code. Simulated IMD ratios are in good agreement with measured results. Measurements show a noise figure of 2.2 dB at 9.5 GHz and the third-order IMD ratio of -53 dBc at 10 dB input back off from the input P1dB point. It is found that both noise figure and IMD ratio are significantly improved compared with conventional helix-TWTs and microwave power modules.