-
StatusOngoing
-
Status date2024-08-27
-
Activity Code7A.061
The main challenges addressed by the project are:
- To obtain these classes of power amplifier in very small MMICs from available European GaN technologies.
- To identify the right packaging solution both low-cost and high-frequency.
- To define the right trade-off among power, efficiency and linearity, for the optimization of both RF and thermal performance.
For next-generation Ka-band satellite communications, Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology is a promising candidate owing to its high power density and high efficiency characteristics. GaN high-power amplifier (HPA) MMICs have been demonstrated for Ka-band applications, and above; the high output power, the high efficiency, the quite good linearity and the compact size of the GaN-based HPA are attractive not only for compact solid state power amplifier (SSPA) and block up converter (BUC) designs for a very small aperture terminal (VSAT), but also for the transmitter design of 5G cellular communications.
Considering this introduction and that the most available solutions are based on non-European technologies, the two HPA demonstrators can be exploited, as full European solution, for the Ka-Band VSAT ground terminals for satellite communications links. Furthermore, looking at the industrialization phase, the two HPAs of 2 and 4 Watts are developed in low-cost 4x4 QFN plastic package solution.
For next-generation Ka-band satellite communications, Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology is a promising candidate owing to its high power density and high efficiency characteristics. GaN high-power amplifier (HPA) MMICs have been demonstrated for Ka-band applications, and above; the high output power, the high efficiency, the quite good linearity and the compact size of the GaN-based HPA are attractive not only for compact solid state power amplifier (SSPA) and block up converter (BUC) designs for a very small aperture terminal (VSAT), but also for the transmitter design of 5G cellular communications.
Considering this introduction and that the most available solutions are based on non-European technologies, the two HPA demonstrators can be exploited, as full European solution, for the Ka-Band VSAT ground terminals for satellite communications links. Furthermore, looking at the industrialization phase, the two HPAs of 2 and 4 Watts are developed in low-cost 4x4 QFN plastic package solution.
The developed HPAs are capable to deliver 2 and 4 Watts of saturated power, respectively, in the frequency range [27 – 31] GHz, with ACPR levels better than -20 dBc, up to saturation, and -30 dBc, up to 6 dB of back off. The SMT packaged solution allows a terrific simplification of the equipment architecture, that could be based on standard PCB substrate.
The architecture of the amplifier is optimized for the best trade-off among power and thermal performances and dimensions.
The project is developed on the basis of the following tasks:
- Task 1: Analysis of the technology, identification of best architectures for the MMICs and definition of the Baseline Specifications; Identification of optimum package option.
- Task 2: Design of first iteration MMICs and relevant test structures; manufacturing and test of components;
- Task 3: Detailed design of the MMICs;
- Task 4: Manufacturing & Test of the final components.
and through the following Milestones:
- Requirements Review
- Preliminary Design Review
- Bread-Board Test Review
- Detailed Design Review
- Test Review Meeting
- Final Review
The project is in the final phase (Task 4).
