Title :
A variable gain MMIC SSPA
Author :
Bates, D. ; Palena, P. ; Caporossi, P. ; LaPrade, J.
Author_Institution :
GE Electron. Lab., Syracuse, NY, USA
fDate :
30 Sep-3 Oct 1990
Abstract :
A variable gain amplifier module design using three monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) chips in a single custom ceramic package for satellite communication applications is described. Feedback is used in the MMIC amplifier design (SCAMP4) to be deliberately tolerant to process variations in providing excellent gain flatness. It is noteworthy that while the SCAMP4 design was derived from earlier broadband designs, the results reported are achieved with a single iteration of the four-stage circuit. Applications of the MMIC module in the front end of a solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) demonstrates a compact, high-gain design with a greatly reduced part count. Reduced alignment time and increased reliability are advantages also offered by application of MMIC amplifier modules to the SSPA design
Keywords :
MMIC; application specific integrated circuits; microwave amplifiers; power amplifiers; satellite links; 3.7 to 4.2 GHz; SCAMP4; alignment time; amplifier module design; gain flatness; reliability; satellite downlink band; single custom ceramic package; solid-state power amplifier; variable gain MMIC SSPA; Application specific integrated circuits; Broadband amplifiers; Ceramics; Gain; Integrated circuit packaging; MMICs; Microwave amplifiers; Microwave integrated circuits; Monolithic integrated circuits; Satellite communication;
Conference_Titel :
Military Communications Conference, 1990. MILCOM '90, Conference Record, A New Era. 1990 IEEE
Conference_Location :
Monterey, CA
DOI :
10.1109/MILCOM.1990.117464
