A 10 Watt C-Band GAAS FET Power Amplifier for Satellite Down-Link Communications Systems

The results of an ESA program to develop a space-qualified solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) and its electronic power conditioner (EPC) as a 16 W TWTA replacement are presented. Not only the microwave performance specifications but also producibility and reliability are taken into account in the amplifier design. The 10-Watt amplifier is designed to operate in the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz band and to withstand the rigors of launch and to provide a useful life of 10 years in the space environment. It provides an operating gain of 65.5 dB in small signal operation and 63 dB for 10-Watt output power with an efficiency of 28% without EPC and 24% with EPC. The power amplifier is fully gain stabilized over the temperature range of 0 °C to 50 °C.