Advances in Ka-band power amplifier technology for space communications systems

APL's research and development efforts in high-efficiency Ka-band solid-state power amplifiers have positioned the Laboratory at the leading edge of this technology. APL reached this position through significant contributions in several areas related to the design of power amplifiers. Methods for applying harmonically controlled terminations for improved efficiency (a first 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.