GaAs m.e.s.f.e.t. linear power-amplifier stage giving 1 W

A balanced GaAs m.e.s.f.e.t. power stage has been developed for the 7–8 GHz satellite communication frequency band. At 7.5 GHz, the output power at 1 dB comparession 1 W with a power added efficiency of 37%. The small-signal gain was 6.65 ± 0.45 dB across the frequency band. The small-signal gain, phase, group delay and input and output v.s.w.r. as function of frequency are described. Large-signal gain saturation and 3rd-order intermodulation distrotion measurements are also presented.