Ka-band 20W-class SSPA utilizing MMIC technology for satellite communications

A Ka-Band(21GHz) 20W-class SSPA for the advanced mobile satellite communications system in the COMmunication and broadcasting Engineering Test Satellite (COMETS) has been developed. This SSPA employs MMIC technology to achieve high performance in the Ka-Band region. A maximum output power of 24W with an efficiency of 10.4% including the DC/DC converter has been achieved. This is the best performance ever reported for a Ka-Band SSPA. The qualification-level tests of this SSPA for space use have been completed successfully.