10W and 30W, 32-37 GHz, Ka-Band GaN MMIC Power Amplifiers on SiC

Abstract

The design and measured performance of two high power GaN MMIC PAs operating over 17% bandwidth in the Ka-Band are presented. The two designs achieve 10W and 30W of output power from 32 GHz to 37 GHz with a PAE greater than 20% when operating at 24V. The PAE of the 30W PA can be increased to nearly 30% when the drain voltage is decreased down to 15V. Comparisons of measured performance for the larger MMIC are made at 15V, 20V, and 24V drain voltage, demonstrating a wide range of efficient operation from 32 GHz to 37 GHz.