Broadband GaN-based Power Amplifier for Airborne Tactical Communication Systems Navy SBIR FY2006.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2006.2 Topic No.: N06-119 Topic Title: Broadband GaN-based Power Amplifier for Airborne Tactical Communication Systems Proposal No.: N062-119-0933 Firm: F&H Applied Science Associates, Inc. P.O. Box 853 Moorestown, New Jersey 08057 Contact: Zygmond Turski Phone: (856) 235-6781 Web Site: www.fhasa.com Abstract: Wide Band Gap semiconductor technology offers today promise for a superior power amplifier (PA). More specifically, Gallium Nitrate (GaN) HEMT devices are shown to operate in extreme temperatures (~600C), exhibiting high breakdown voltages (~100V) and high current densities (~1.5A/mm). In order to meet Navy�_s challenging technical requirements in a cost effective manner, F&H proposes to develop a GaN HEMT based MMIC PA. During the Phase I, F&H proposes leveraging a custom 30W (5.4mm gate periphery) GaN HEMT developed by F&H under Air Force Phase-II program FA8651-05-C-0096. The characteristics of this, already paid for, custom device are ideally suited to meet the Navy requirements. We propose to characterize & accurately model this device for operation over the 225MHz"C3,200MHz bandwidth. Using this model, the desired PA will be simulated and its performance determined. During Phase I we will also verify empirically the simulated results, using our custom, HEMT in a MIC lumped-elements embodiment. Ultimately, the feasibility of a GaN HEMT-based linear, high efficiency, PA will be determined. While meeting Navy requirements, cost effective MMIC PAs will benefit many other applications including LMDS, cellular (3G, 4G) and satellite. These vast markets will naturally lead to economy-of-scale pricing, in line with Navy objectives. Benefits: F&H�_s Power Amplifiers (PA) will be used in communication and sensing areas. The High Efficiency PA required for airborne tactical communication systems calls for a combination of power, efficiency, linearity and low cost targets, performance parameters not currently met by either Si or GaAs devices. Commercial applications of F&H�_s PA include remote, autonomous 3G & 4G Cellular Base Stations [W-CDMA, UMTS], Unattended Repeaters, LMDS, Cable Repeaters, Mobile and Marine communications and other wireless terrestrial and satellite communications systems that have rather similar needs. Beside these near term applications, many additional will surface when reliable, cost effective WBG PAs become commercially available. F&H will provide a new class of PAs with capabilities not currently met, such as operating over a very wide bandwidth (JTRS), in high temperature (�� 600�aC), offering high efficiency and good linearity. This product may lead to new, more robust and cost-effective system architectures. It is important to recognize here that although this specific Navy requirement is for airborne communication systems, once the WBG PAs become commercially viable during the Phase III of this program, they will be employed in the ongoing upgrades of existing DoD and commercial systems as well. Return