Integra Technologies
Newequipment 7960 Kw Level Gan Transistors Radar And Avionics 002
Newequipment 7960 Kw Level Gan Transistors Radar And Avionics 002
Newequipment 7960 Kw Level Gan Transistors Radar And Avionics 002
Newequipment 7960 Kw Level Gan Transistors Radar And Avionics 002
Newequipment 7960 Kw Level Gan Transistors Radar And Avionics 002

White Paper: Using kW-Level GaN Transistors for Radar

Aug. 28, 2018
This paper examines the effect of using normal Class A/B bias for kW-level GaN and LDMOS transistors used in radar and avionic systems.

Integra Technologies, a leading designer and supplier of high-power RF Power Transistors and RF Power Modules, offers a white paper written by Integra’s Daniel Koyama, Apet Barsegyan, and John
Walker, describing the implications of using kW-level GaN transistors in radar and avionic systems.

This paper examines the effect of using normal Class A/B bias for kW-level GaN and LDMOS transistors used in radar and avionic systems. It is shown that Class A/B bias results in an overall efficiency which is typically 5-10% less than the efficiency during the pulse as well as generating significant shot noise in the off period which can cause receiver de-sensitization. A novel automatic gate pulsing and sequencing circuit is described which overcomes both of the above problems. Rise/fall time and latency measurements are presented for this circuit. It is shown that the output noise in the off period is reduced by >30dB.

Measurements are presented that show this circuit has typically 100ns and 16ns rise and fall times, respectively, with a pulse latency of 10ns. Using this circuit, the efficiency over all time is typically just 0.4% less than the intrinsic transistor efficiency during the pulse for a 1kW transistor (the gate pulsing circuit consumes 30dB and a method of providing temperature compensation is discussed).

Download the full white paper “Implications of Using kW-level GaN Transistors in Radar and Avionic Systems” and contact the support team with questions regarding your radar system.