A target application for this pulsed power amplifier can be RADAR imaging of surface features for Mars or other non-terrestrial objects, or the terrestrial surface. The use of a very high efficiency power amplifier will allow for higher power levels in an energy limited environment such as a space craft operations. Higher power ratings of this proposal will allow for greater standoff distances and improved signal to noise for the receivers used for an imaging application. The successful development of this high efficiency amplifier concept can be leveraged by NASA for other RADAR imaging applications at other wavelengths, as Integra Technologies GaN devices can be used at L-Band, S-Band, C-Band and X-band. An airborne test bed system for Biomass estimation (Airmoss) is in operation using P-Band SAR that is the precursor to space instruments. Future interplanetary missions outfitted with the Multi-Mission Subsurface Imaging Radar (MMSIR) could use this amplifier technology. The use of higher efficiency and higher power GaN pulsed amplifiers will allow for improved power management for commercial and military applications for RADAR and medical imaging systems. Integra Technologies will continue to push the 'state of the art' for GaN devices and amplifier modules that enable imaging technologies for UHF, L-Band, S-Band, C-Band, and X-Band, which will be enabled by the technology research.
More »