Monolithic chips sets for linearizer pre-amplifier solid state driver units to TWTs

Abstract

Modern high power amplifiers for communication purposes in satellites will consist of solid-state power amplifier subsystems with integrated predistortion linearizer (SSPA) and short travelling wave tube (STWT). In this contribution the design of monolithic integrated chip sets for SSPAs is described. The MMICs will be employed in the C-band range (3.4-4.3 GHz) and in the Ku-band range (10.7-12.7 GHz). IntroductionThe purpose of the solid state driver unit is to predistort and preamplify the RF signal in such a way, that the short TWT is compensated in its nonlinearity with minimised intermodulation distortions. Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of the SSDU with corresponding RF power level.