High yield X-band GaAs power MMIC insertion into the 160-W MODAR wind shear detection/weather system

This paper describes the successful insertion of a high yield 4-W GaAs X-band power MMIC into the solid-state transmitter of the MODular Avionics Radar (MODAR) weather system, To date, over 15000 4-W MMIC´s have been delivered with a combined DC/RF test yield averaging 39%. The design and fabrication of the MMIC´s are presented along with statistical test data on over 46000 MMIC´s. The integration of the MMIC´s into a higher level 12-W hybrid assembly and an 85-W power module are also discussed, five 85-W modules are combined in the transmitter to achieve a nominal power output of 160 W. Statistical test data on these higher level assemblies is presented. This work demonstrates the viability of inserting GaAs power MMIC´s into commercial systems