AlGaN/GaN HEMTs - operation in the K-band and above

Reports on the power and microwave noise performance of AlGaN/GaN high electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) at frequencies f>18 GHz (K- and Ka-bands). At 20 GHz, a record continuous-wave output power of 1.6 W has been achieved on an eight-finger 500-(mu)m total gate-periphery device. At 29 GHz, a 120-(mu)m gate-periphery device showed a pulsed output density of 1.6 W/mm with an associated gain of 6.7 dB and power-added efficiency of 26%. Minimum noise figure of 1.5 dB has been achieved on a 0.2 (mu)m * 200 (mu)m device at 26 GHz. The data demonstrate the viability of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs for high-frequency power and low-noise amplifier applications.