A Ka-band MMIC array feed transmitter for deep space applications

A Ka-band solid-state transmitter capable of power greater than 5 W is being developed. The transmitter consists of an array of 21 elements each driven by a single stage MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) power amplifier, a MMIC three-stage preamplifier, and a MMIC four bit phase shifter. The design of the array, measurements of the antenna pattern of the full array, and an electronically beam steered subarray are reported.<
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