1 and 2 watt MMIC power amplifiers for commercial K/Ka-band applications

Two ICs, specifically designed for commercial applications at K/Ka-band frequencies, are presented. These ICs provide 1 and 2 watts of linear power respectively, gain levels of typically 17 dB and a power added efficiency of 25% at the 1 dB gain compression point. While the RF performance parameters are not state-of-the-art, these compact chips establish new levels for power density, Le. the ratio of output power to chip area. This figure of merit is particularly important for the cost sensitive commercial market.