Northrop Grumman Introduces High Power GaN Amplifiers for Ka-band Satellite Communication Terminals
The APN228 and APN229 power amplifiers were developed with the company's proprietary GaN high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) power process and provide unmatched saturated output power of 13 and 8 watts, respectively. These second-generation power amplifiers offer the highest power density of any existing Ka-band GaN product on the market.
The broadband, two-stage amplifiers operate from 27 to 31 GHz, and, when integrated in high efficiency solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs), allow for higher data rate in communication systems.
"GaN-based SSPAs are a far more desirable solution to costly traveling-wave tubes which require more complex, higher voltage power supplies and a lengthier production time," said
"APN228 and APN229 will allow our customers to reduce the cost and complexity of power-combining, and offer a significant cost advantage compared to the current generation of Ka-band products," he added.
Product descriptions:
APN228:
- The APN228 is a 16.0 mm2 GaN HEMT power amplifier that operates between 27 and 31 GHz.
- This MMIC PA provides 19.5 dB of linear gain, 41.2 dBm (13 W) of saturated output power and Power Added Efficiency (PAE) greater than 27 percent.
- Exhibits excellent linearity.
- Excellent option for next generation high power and efficiency SSPAs for commercial and military satellite applications.
APN229:
- The APN229 is a 7.41 mm2 GaN HEMT power amplifier that operates between 27 and 31 GHz.
- This MMIC PA provides 20 dB of linear gain, 39 dBm (8 W) of saturated output power and PAE greater than 30 percent.
- Exhibits excellent linearity.
- Complimentary driver amplifier to the APN228.
Samples of these MMIC power amplifiers will be available by mid-July, and packaged versions will be available for sampling later this year. Information and data sheets on the Ka-band and other GaN power amplifiers are available online at: www.northropgrumman.com/mps
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SOURCE
Amy Akmal, 424-254-6945, amy.akmal@ngc.com