Improving the efficiency of solid-state power amplifier by frequency switching for satellite communication

Abstract

This paper presents a technique to make the solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) flexible (adaptive) in terms of frequency for space segment of satellite communication. As compared with the present fixed (static) performance SSPA, the flexible frequency SSPA allows the users to keep themselves updated with the changing scenario of satellite communication. The flexibility can be achieved by using PIN diode for high frequency amplifiers and varactor diode for low frequency amplifiers as switch. The bias voltage of the diode can be changed remotely by means of telecommandable circuit. The gallium nitride�based SSPAs using this concept will be able to compete the travelling wave tube amplifier for onboard applications. It also demonstrates the circuit topology for selecting the required narrow frequency band rather than designing broadband SSPA resulting in improvement of efficiency and device's channel temperature. Improvement of channel temperature in space application improves the reliability of active devices.