Design and packaging for a reliable 8-Watt solid state RF power amplifier for radar

A reliable 18-mm GaAs power amplifier die has been successfully packaged producing eight Watts at L-band. The commercial hermetic package was the first step in the design of a reliable power amplifier while processing steps during assembly and bulk preconditioning add to the reliability of the device. Some issues faced while assembling the power amplifier include lid sealing and the concern of hydrogen poisoning. Electrical testing of the packaged 18-mm die presented its own concerns in a production environment ranging from repeatability to ruggedness of the test fixtures. As the relief of these issues arrives, so does a more reliable power amplifier.