PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The final objective of the project is to design, manufacture and test a set of MMIC High Power Amplifiers, in SMT package and European GaN technologies, capable to deliver a saturated output power of 2 and 4 Watts over the frequency range [27 – 31] GHz. Furthermore, the target is also to enable a European Source of Ka-band 2W and 4W HPAs.
The solution in low-cost QFN plastic package makes this solution very attractive for cost and assembly simplification.
This component is intended to be used for new generation of Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT), covering both MSS (Mobile Satellite Service) and FSS (Fixed Satellite Service) uplink frequency ranges.
Challenges
The main challenges addressed by the project are:
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To obtain these classes of power amplifier in very small MMICs from available European GaN technologies.
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To identify the right packaging solution both low-cost and high-frequency.
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To define the right trade-off among power, efficiency and linearity, for the optimization of both RF and thermal performance.
System Architecture
The architecture of the amplifier is optimized for the best trade-off among power and thermal performances and dimensions.
Plan
The project is developed on the basis of the following tasks:
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Task 1: Analysis of the technology, identification of best architectures for the MMICs and definition of the Baseline Specifications; Identification of optimum package option.
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Task 2: Design of first iteration MMICs and relevant test structures; manufacturing and test of components;
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Task 3: Detailed design of the MMICs;
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Task 4: Manufacturing & Test of the final components.
and through the following Milestones:
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Requirements Review
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Preliminary Design Review
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Bread-Board Test Review
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Detailed Design Review
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Test Review Meeting
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Final Review
Current Status
The project is in the final phase (Task 4).
