A 40 W Ka-Band RF Amplification Chain for Space Telecommunication SSPA Applications

In this paper the design and realization of a 40 W Ka band RF chain developed for use in space, and based on solid-state GaN COTS components is presented. The aim is to verify the feasibility, in terms of power combining, transition/topology, thermal and bias management for such technology. The use of an analog linearizer for improving high power amplifier (HPA) linearity is also discussed.