As a result of a successful Phase I effort, QuinStar Technology, Inc. proposes the Phase II effort to continue development of a W-band GaN IMPATT device. The proposed work will focus on a device-level demonstration of W-band power generation using GaN IMPATTs (Phase II Base), followed by the productization of such a device (Phase II Option 1). This work is expected to enhance DONs technological capabilities and directly benefit several ongoing programs.
Benefit: For Navy: High-efficiency IMPATT diodes for high-power generation are essential to radar systems. The superior power output at MMW and THz frequencies makes the proposed GaN IMPATT work suitable for jamming and anti-jamming applications. In addition to the applications derived from the acquisition program NEMESIS, QuinStar identifies the ongoing production AARGM program as a potential end user of the proposed work. QuinStar supplies the current AARGM missile program with an advanced millimeter-wave transceiver utilizing Si IMPATT technology in its miniaturized transmitter. When it reaches maturity, the proposed GaN IMPATT will be a natural transition from the current Si devices. Most likely, this will be the first product and customer we can engage at the very beginning. For Non-Navy: Although the current work is only for W-band diodes, the same technology can be extended to other millimeter-wave frequency bands. Applications for high-power generation include SATCOM applications and radar applications in the Ka, E, and W radar bands for all the military branches. The estimated market size for the W-band RF power source for military applications alone is in the range of $10M per year and growing rapidly. Outside W-band, SATCOM at Ka-band has been widely adopted. Previously, IMPATTs were used in MILSTAR Cross-link and MILSTAR ground terminals. One application of the GaN IMPATT is a radio replacement and upgrade plan for aging SATCOM satellites like MILSTAR. For Commercial Applications: RF sources of MMW and THz radiometers for NASA remote sensing applications MMW deep-space communications for NASA Emerging MMW communications applications Weather and environmental monitoring radars Applications include both airborne and ground-based. Potential customers include commercial instrument makers, avionics, etc. Security and surveillance radars for commercial, industrial, and municipal applications These modern radar-based sensors present much higher resolution and ranging than other sensors. Measurement and calibration equipment, such as THz noise source, etc.
Keywords: W-Band, RF Source, Impact Ionization, IMPATT, GaN, High Power generation
