High Output Power Low Noise Amplifier Chains at 100 GHz

Low noise amplifier (LNA) chains at 100GHz were constructed to be used as highly sensitive detectors in the development of the Haystack Ultra-wideband Satellite Imaging Radar (HUSIR). Three separately packaged MMICs are combined to provide a highly sensitive millimeter-wave detector. The LNA chip is a 0.1 micron InP based chip [1]. This is followed by 0.1 micron GaAs based driver and power amplifier MMICs [2]. This combination provides more than 50dB of gain over a frequency range of 90 to 100GHz with 50K noise temperature when measured at 20K ambient temperature. This chain provides enhanced functionality for the Haystack Ultra-wideband Satellite Imaging Radar (HUSIR). Index Terms — ground based radar, high gain amplifier, direct detector, millimeter waves, InP HEMT LNA, high power GaAs MMICs.