Design of a very compact and lightweight S-band power amplifier for radar T/R modules

This paper describes an advanced amplifier design dedicated to high power T K modules for active array antennas. The concept uses silicon bare dies on non-toxic AIN carriers packed with plastic cover, allowing to decrease both amplifier??s cost and size. The design is particularly compact and lightweight (<20grs!) for a lOOWc amplifier. Design tricks are detailed to reach those goals and particularly a novel DC/RF mechanical grounding path that replaces classical via holes.