High performance and high reliability InP HEMT low noise amplifiers for phased-array applications

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a Q-band low noise amplifier unit using a 0.1 /spl mu/m InP HEMT MMICs that has been demonstrated with high RF performance and high reliability over a frequency band from 43.5 to 45.5 GHz at Northrop Grumman Space Technology (NGST). The InP HEMT LNAs with high RF performance and high reliability are crucial for the advanced phased-array applications. The module demonstrates superior performance with gain greater than 30.1 dB and noise figure less than 3.2 dB over the frequency band of 43.5 to 45.5 GHz. The InP HEMT technology has an activation energy of 1.9 eV and mean-time-to-failure of 10/sup 8/ hours at T/sub junction/ of 125/spl deg/C and these MMICs further demonstrate the readiness of NGST's 0.1 /spl mu/m InP HEMT MMICs technology for the advanced phased-array applications.