Waveguide Power-Amplifier Module for 80 to 150 GHz

A waveguide power-amplifier module capable of operating over the frequency range from 80 to 150 GHz has been constructed. The module comprises a previously reported power amplifier packaged in a waveguide housing that is compatible with WR-8 waveguides. (WR-8 is a standard waveguide size for the nominal frequency range from 90 to 140 GHz.) Because the amplifier in its unpackaged form was a single, fragile InP chip, it was necessary to use special probes to make electrical connections between the amplifier and test equipment in order to measure the power gain and other aspects of amplifier performance. In contrast, the waveguide poweramplifier module is robust and can be bolted to test equipment and to other electronic circuits with which the amplifier must be connected for normal operation. The amplifier in its unpackaged form was reported in "Power Amplifier With 9 to 13 dB of Gain from 65 to 146 GHz" (NPO-20880), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 25, No. 1 (January 2001), page 44.