K/Ka-band low-noise embedded transmission line (ETL) MMIC amplifiers

The design, fabrication, and performance of producible, high-performance Kand Ka-band pHEMT low-noise MMIC amplifiers using the embedded transmission line (ETL) circuit concept with top-side grounding are reported. A state-of-the-art noise figure of 1.2 dB with 25-dB gain is achieved at 31 GHz. These amplifiers can be implemented in low-cost, ultra-compact receiver modules for emerging spaceborne phased-array communication applications.