Parry Labs proposes a non-traditional approach to solve the requirements stated in SBIR N201-012, Multi-Octave, High Power Efficiency Electronically Steerable Array (AESA). The design will employ a novel and disruptive technique in order to meet bandwidth, efficiency and power over the target frequency range of 2 to 4GHz. Our solution is to combine several amplifier design techniques, the fundamental being a Load-Modulated Balanced Amplifier, or LMBA. Compared to traditional Doherty, Out-Phasing, class J, or switched mode PAs, the LMBA offers unique advantages over bandwidth and efficiency. It employs a simple and cost-effective architecture using many off-the-shelf components. Using this approach, Parry Labs will demonstrate through end-to-end simulations greater than 50% efficiency for a 2x2 AESA with 40dBm of output power. Parry Labs has formed a world class amplifier development team with over 85 years of combined power amplifier and RF circuit design experience. The teams experience includes designing cellular band RF power amplifiers for Lucent/Bell Labs, Andrew Corporation (now Commscope), and most recently Futurewei Technologies. The team is excited to utilize their expertise and strong track record of innovation in support of the United States Department of Defense.
Benefit: A wide band electrically steerable antenna with overall system efficiency greater than 50% will be attractive to a large number of commercial interests. Specifically, with the advent of 5G cellular technology deployments interest in active antennas, which utilize beam steering capabilities, to enhance coverage and network capacity is increasing. Current solutions for active antennas typically have operating efficiency in the range of 35% or less and only cover one of the cellular bands, i.e. the PCS band at 1.9GHz. The Parry Labs solution would be attractive to cellular operators and suppliers alike. The techniques developed for this SBIR can also be utilized in other frequency bands enabling high efficiency solutions for other RF needs such as broadcast, satellite communications, terrestrial and marine communication services.
Keywords: Wide-Bandwidth RF, Wide-Bandwidth RF, Cellular Frequency Bands, Off-the-shelf Components, Integrated Antenna Array, Multi-Octave Transmitter, electronically steerable antenna, RF power amplifier, High Efficiency RF Power Amplifier
