GaAs ICs for 5 GHz microwave landing system front-end

Abstract

GaAs application-specific IC (ASIC) design is considered as applicable to the full integration of the 5-GHz front-end of MLS (microwave landing system) equipment. All the different functions, such as amplifiers, switches, oscillators, and mixers, have been integrated, as well as digital functions needed for fractional divider frequency synthesis. The front-end was implemented as five GaAs chips on a 2 square inch hybrid. All the designed ASICs fully complied with specifications and allowed the equipment to run in a military environment. The results in terms of spectral purity were very satisfactory.<>