High-Efficiency Power Amplifier Generates 2.8 W At Q-Band Frequencies

Dec. 15, 2006
In support of emerging millimeter-wave communications systems, Michael Aust and associates from Northrop Grumman (Redondo Beach, CA) have developed a high-efficiency monolithic power amplifier capable of 2.8 W (+34.5 dBm) output power at Q-band ...

In support of emerging millimeter-wave communications systems, Michael Aust and associates from Northrop Grumman (Redondo Beach, CA) have developed a high-efficiency monolithic power amplifier capable of 2.8 W (+34.5 dBm) output power at Q-band frequencies from 42 to 46 GHz. The amplifier features power-added efficiency (PAE) of 23 to 26 percent when operated at 5 V and 250 mA/mm of device periphery. It achieved maximum PAE of 24 to 29 percent and output power of +33.6 to +34 dBm when biased at +5 VDC and 125 mA/mm.

In-phase binary power combiners/dividers with impedance matching are employed to maintain high power and PAE. The Wilkinson combiner was designed to minimize RF loss at the expense of bandwidth and isolation. The four-way output combiner achieved input return loss of better than 33 dB with simulated insertion loss of less than 0.5 dB. The output return loss was better than 35 dB and the isolation was better than 21 dB. See “A 2.8-W Q-Band High-Efficiency Power Amplifier,” IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, October 2006, Vol. 41, No. 10, p. 2241.

About the Author

Jack Browne | Technical Contributor

Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.

Sponsored Recommendations

MMIC Medium-Power Amplifier Covers 6 to 12 GHz

Nov. 11, 2024
Mini-Circuits is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of RF, IF, and microwave components from DC to 86GHz.

RF Amplifier and Filter Testing with Mini-Circuits Power Sensors

Nov. 11, 2024
RF power sensors are essential for accurately measuring RF components like filters and amplifiers, focusing on parameters such as insertion loss and gain. Employing instruments...

High-Frequency Modules to 110 GHz

Nov. 11, 2024
Mini-Circuits’ wide selection of high-frequency modules are designed, assembled and tested in-house by the best talent in the industry at our Deer Park Technology Center. The ...

Defense Technology: From Sea to Space

Oct. 31, 2024
Learn about these advancements in defense technology, including smart sensors, hypersonic weapons, and high-power microwave systems.