Advances in Ka-Band Power Amplifi er Technology for Space Communications Systems

Abstract

PL’s research and development efforts in high-effi ciency Ka-band solid-state power amplifi ers have positioned the Laboratory at the leading edge of this technology. APL reached this position through signifi cant contributions in several areas related to the design of power amplifi ers. Methods for applying harmonically controlled terminations for improved effi ciency (a fi rst at Ka-band) have been developed. To demonstrate this, an advanced transistor model capable of accurately simulating the transistor’s nonlinear behavior over a wide operating range was generated by our collaborative partner, Morgan State University. Through the creation of a software tool, the processes required to construct the model was standardized and documented. This device model was then validated by comparing measured performance with the model predictions.