High performance L-band ball grid array power and receive amplifier module set for satellite phone handsets

A low cost RF front-end module set has been developed for the high performance handsets used in L-band TDMA satellite phone systems. A highly linear and efficient 8 W power amplifier module containing four parallel combined PHEMT power MMICs, 30 dB gain driver amplifier, adaptive power control coupler, harmonic filtering and an isolator has been designed. The module uses Ball Grid Array (BGA) package technology compatible with high volume handset production. A companion L-band receive module has also been developed which integrates a high performance low noise amplifier, transmit/receive PIN switch, limiter and harmonic filter into a ceramic BGA package.