10 W and 30W, 32-37 GHz, Ka-Band GaN MMIC Power Amplifiers on SiC

The design and measured performance of two high power GaN MMIC PAs operating over 17 % bandwidth in the Ka-Band are presented. The two designs achieve 10W and 30W of output power from 32 GHz to 37GHz with a PAE greater than 20 % when operating at 24 V. The PAE of the 30W PA can be increased to nearly 30 % when the drain voltage is decreased down to 15 V. Comparisons of measured performance for the larger MMIC are made at 15V, 20V, and 24 V drain voltage, demonstrating a wide range of efficient operation from 32 GHz to 37 GHz.