Millimeter-Wave GaN SSPAs: Technology to Power 5G and the Future

Abstract

Recent advances in millimeter-wave GaN power technology are presented together with 5G SSPA system requirements, specifically the “High-Band” (millimeter-wave) requirements. The state-of-the-art of GaN power MMICs operating from 27 to 120 GHz is highlighted in terms of output power, efficiency and frequency of operation. At the low end of the band, MMIC power levels of 10 W CW are readily available with laboratory results as high as 40 W. Efficiencies (PAEs) typically range in the mid to high 30s, with some results as high as 42%, again at the lower end of the band. By using power combining techniques, power levels as high as 40 W CW at W-band frequencies are reported. 5G linearization and efficiency enhancement techniques are introduced. A projection of where the technology is headed is also presented.