Integrated GaN T/R MMIC for AESA Radar Navy SBIR FY2013.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2013.2 Topic No.: N132-095 Topic Title: Integrated GaN T/R MMIC for AESA Radar Proposal No.: N132-095-0855 Firm: Vadum 601 Hutton St STE 109 Raleigh, North Carolina 27606-6322 Contact: Todd Nichols Phone: (919) 341-8240 Web Site: www.vaduminc.com Abstract: Vadum proposes to develop an innovative, highly integrated, power-conserving GaN T/R MMIC for radar applications. We will leverage expertise in high efficiency, high power Gallium Nitride Power Amplifiers, low loss GaN RF switches, Low Noise Amplifiers, GaN Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits, and wide experience with radar and Electronic Warfare systems. This MMIC will deliver new capability to the warfighter by enabling a low cost, high performance, thin phased array. The Phase I deliverable will be a comprehensive trade study and a complete MMIC design Benefits: This component will enable system integrators to construct thinner, perhaps even conformal, phased arrays. Availability of SWaP-reduced arrays at C-band will increase mission effectiveness for a variety of targets and environments. The technology and specific products developed in this SBIR will quickly find use in similar Navy and other DoD systems. Lockheed is currently producing the AN/APS-153 multi-mode radar with Automatic Radar Periscope Detection and Discrimination (ARPDD). DARPA recently unveiled a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aimed at shortening development cycles and reducing costs of phased array systems [ACT, 2013]. One of this program's thrusts is a common electronics array module which could use this MMIC and its technology. Commercial maritime radars suffer from SWaP and capability limits. Opportunities exist to migrate this technology into these maritime radars. One approach is to develop a C-band system using these devices as-is to take advantage of SWaP reductions over current technology. The other is to develop an X-band version. Array and target parameters are very roughly similar, being surface targets with azimuth and range accuracy requirements. There are also a substantial number of weather radars operating in this band; and this is a target application for this MMIC. Return