High-efficiency C-band PA provides communication range extension

Under the terms of the contract, NuWaves Engineering will develop, prototype and test two distinct C-Band amplifier variants: an efficient linear PA for data links with amplitude-modulated waveforms, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing and a high-efficiency PA for data links with waveforms characterised by having little or no amplitude variation.

NuWaves’ partner on the Phase II contract is InnoWave. Together, the team will incorporate linearisation and Doherty amplifier designs into MMIC devices that will serve as the core of what will be connectorised PA modules capable of being integrated into existing command and control and communication systems.

Each of the two connectorised PA modules will feature a broad power supply range, advanced thermal management techniques and optional bidirectional circuitry. Finally, the technology will be scalable to higher frequencies, such as X-, Ku-, K- and Ka-bands.