GaAs insertion enhances SINCGARS RF preselector

A new class of RF devices has been developed that reduces the size and power consumption of electronically tunable RF preselector filters. Critical tuning components have been integrated onto a GaAs chip to reduce relative component tolerances and improve frequency accuracy across a broad tuning range. This capability was achieved through the development of a GaAs microwave switch with a resistance range of 100000:1. A two-pole, electronically tunable filter fabricated with this device achieved an unloaded resonator Q of 100 and an insertion loss of 4 dB over the 30-88 MHz frequency range. This switched capacitor array provides the capability to house a two-pole electronically tunable filter in a volume of less than 1 in³ and tune across a 3:1 frequency range with less than 2 mW of DC power consumption