Figure 1. The Amplifier Is Packaged in a WR5 waveguide module, with electric-field-plane alumina probes to interface the chip to the waveguide, and bypass capacitors to suppress low-frequency oscillations. The module is compact and can easily be integrated into a test system or with wafer probes.

A power-amplifier module that operates in the frequency range of 145 to 165 GHz has been designed and constructed as a combination of (1) a previously developed monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) power amplifier and (2) a waveguide module. The amplifier chip was needed for driving a high-electron-mobility- transistor (HEMT) frequency doubler. While it was feasible to connect the amplifier and frequency-doubler chips by use of wire bonds, it was found to be much more convenient to test the amplifier and doubler chips separately. To facilitate separate testing, it was decided to package the amplifier and doubler chips in separate waveguide modules. Figure 1 shows the resulting amplifier module.

The amplifier chip was described in “MMIC HEMT Power Amplifier for 140 to 170 GHz” (NPO-30127), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 27, No. 11, (November 2003), page 49. To recapitulate: This is a three-stage MMIC power amplifier that utilizes HEMTs as gain elements. The amplifier was originally designed to operate in the frequency range of 140 to 170 GHz. The waveguide module is based on a previously developed lower frequency module, redesigned to support operation in the frequency range of 140 to 220 GHz.

Figure 2 presents results of one of several tests of the amplifier module — measurements of output power and gain as functions of input power at an output frequency of 150 GHz. Such an amplifier module has many applications to test equipment for power sources above 100 GHz.

Figure 2. Output Power and Gain at 150 GHz were measured as functions of input power. The output power exhibited saturation at 13 dBm.

This work was done by Lorene Samoska and Alejandro Peralta of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Electronics/Computers category. NPO-40260

Topics:
Amplifiers Capacitors Electrical systems Electronic equipment Electronics & Computers Energy storage systems Test equipment and instrumentation Transistors
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
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Power-Amplifier Module for 145 to 165 GHz

(reference NPO-40260) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

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NASA Tech Briefs Magazine

This article first appeared in the February, 2007 issue of NASA Tech Briefs Magazine (Vol. 31 No. 2).

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Overview

The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) detailing a Power-Amplifier Module designed for operation within the frequency range of 145 to 165 GHz. This module is part of NASA's efforts to advance aerospace-related technologies that have potential applications beyond their initial purpose, promoting wider technological, scientific, and commercial use.

The specific innovation referenced in the document is identified by NTR Number 40260 and is titled "145-165 GHz Power Amplifier Module." It highlights a significant development in microwave technology, particularly through the work of researchers Lorene Samoska, Alejandro Peralta, Ming Hu, Miro Micovic, and Adele Schmitz. Their research, published in the IEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters, discusses a 20 mW, 150 GHz InP HEMT MMIC Power Amplifier Module, which serves as a foundational reference for the technology described in the Technical Support Package.

The document emphasizes the importance of compliance with U.S. export regulations, indicating that the information may contain proprietary data from Caltech/JPL. It also provides contact information for further inquiries, specifically directing interested parties to the Innovative Technology Assets Management office at JPL, where additional assistance and information can be obtained.

The Technical Support Package is part of NASA's Commercial Technology Program, which aims to disseminate the results of aerospace-related developments to foster innovation and collaboration across various sectors. The document serves as a resource for those interested in the advancements in power amplifier technology, particularly in the context of high-frequency applications.

Overall, this Technical Support Package encapsulates NASA's commitment to innovation and the sharing of technological advancements, highlighting the potential for aerospace technologies to influence a wide range of industries. It underscores the collaborative nature of research and development in this field, inviting further exploration and engagement with the technologies being developed at JPL.