White Paper Discusses Using kW-Level GaN Transistors for Radar and Avionic Systems
EL SEGUNDO, California (USA) – August 1, 2018 – Integra Technologies, a leading designer and supplier of high-power RF Power Transistors and RF Power Modules, offers a white paper written by Integra’s Daniel Koyama, Apet Barsegyan, and John Walker, describing the implications of using kW-level GaN transistors in radar and avionic systems.
This paper examines the effect of using normal Class A/B bias for kW-level GaN and LDMOS transistors used in radar and avionic systems. It is shown that Class A/B bias results in an overall efficiency which is typically 5-10% less than the efficiency during the pulse as well as generating significant shot noise in the off period which can cause receiver de-sensitization. A novel automatic gate pulsing and sequencing circuit is described which overcomes both of the above problems. Rise/fall time and latency measurements are presented for this circuit. It is shown that the output noise in the off period is reduced by >30dB.
Measurements are presented that show this circuit has typically 100ns and 16ns rise and fall times, respectively, with a pulse latency of 10ns. Using this circuit, the efficiency over all time is typically just 0.4% less than the intrinsic transistor efficiency during the pulse for a 1kW transistor (the gate pulsing circuit consumes 30dB and a method of providing temperature compensation is discussed).
Download the full white paper “Implications of Using kW-level GaN Transistors in Radar and Avionic Systems” www.integratech.com/white-paper-discusses-using-kw-level-gan-transistors-for-radar-andavionic-systems and contact our support team www.integratech.com/support-for-high-power-rf-amplifierdesign with questions regarding your radar system.
About Integra Technologies, Inc. – www.integratech.com
Integra is a leading designer, manufacturer, innovator, and global supplier of high-power RF and microwave transistors and power amplifiers. They have a demonstrable heritage as a provider of dependable standard and custom solutions for low to high volume radar, avionics, defense, communications, EW, and ISM programs. The technologies that Integra fabricates with include GaN/SiC HEMT, Si-LDMOS, Si-VDMOS, and Si-Bipolar semiconductor approaches proven in their own fab and with redundant partners.
Agency Contact: Angela McGrath, amcgrath@strandmarketing.com, 978-463-0780
Company Contact: Sales, sales@integratech.com, 310-606-0855
