DC-20GHz Switch MMIC Productionisation
Requirement
Client was using a DC-20GHz broadband MMIC switch but with a non-compliance which was significant in next generation platforms.
Outcome
VIPER RF previously developed a set of broadband switches as part of its product portfolio. Following device sampling and successful evaluation, VIPER productionised the design including production test development. Known good die shipped and parts integrated into client's systems in the field. Project resulted in a lower cost, higher performance part for our client.
X-band Low Noise Amplifier MMIC Productionisation
Requirement
Client required state of art LNA MMIC to meet requirements for their next generation T/R module.
Outcome
As part of VIPER RF’s on-going IP portfolio development, a set of MMIC LNAs had been designed.The X-band LNA was sampled and proved to deliver the improvement in performance. The part was productionised and known-good die shipped to the client for incorporation into their module.
Point to Point MMIC Power Amplifiers
Requirement
Point-to-point application requires high volume and low-cost MMICs – our client could not be competitive with a standard product solution due to stacked margins.
Outcome
VIPER RF facilitated foundry pricing by providing design services, foundry interfacing, Engineering test and NPI. A program was undertaken to develop world leading MMIC HPAs covering 6-8GHz, 13-15GHz, 17-21GHz, 24-26GHz, 28-31GHz, 38GHz, 42GHz frequency bands. Parts are in the field.
Single-Chip Front-End for Space Applications
Requirement
Contracted to develop a single-chip front-end operating at C-Band.
Outcome
The part under development includes high TX power of 40W, high TX PAE for high reliability, low-noise receiver <2dB, robust LNA for overdrive and T/R switching. Design procedure has involved harmonic load-pull to optimise PAE, hybrid GaN LNA design and manufacture to understand robustness and destructive tests to understand the limits.
High Efficiency HPA MMICs for satellite uplink communications
Requirement
Funded contract to develop X-band power amplifier MMIC for satellite uplink.
Outcome
A part was designed, manufactured and characterised. The MMIC demonstrated saturated power of 9W with an efficiency of 45% CW over the frequency range of 7.5-8.2GHz.
W-Band Chip-set
Requirement
Client required long-term supply of W-band MMICs for strategic system
Outcome
VIPER is developing a W-Band chip-set for this application. Client utilised VIPER’s multi-project wafer runs to access cost-effective R&D. VIPER is providing MMIC development,foundry interfacing, test and product supply. Excellent results have been achieved with first sets of prototypes.
GaN Broadband MMIC Amplifier Design
Requirement
Contracted by UK company to develop broadband power amplifiers.
Outcome
Designed, manufactured and characterised parts developed to operate from 5-18GHz. MMICs manufactured on a 0.25um GaN MMIC technology. High output power has been measured in pulsed and CW configurations. Assembly and characterisation carried out at VIPER RF’s facility.
Ka Band Transmit Module for Satellite Downlink
Requirement
Collaboration with a UK space manufacturer to develop MMICs for downlink amplification module for satcomms.
Outcome
26-27.5 GHz 10 Watts output power realised through combination of two GaAs MMICs, designed on a 0.25um ITAR-free technology. MMICs encapsulated with a high-reliability hermetic package (ITAR free). Associated 0.5W driver MMIC developed in parallel.
C-Band Transmit Module in Gallium-Nitride Technology
Requirement
Our client required module developed for a C-Band radar application.
Outcome
Designed module and sourced commercially viable COTS packaged GaN driver and output stage with a COTS GaAs input stage. Soft-board and mechanical pallet designed, manufactured and assembled. Characterisation in VIPER Laboratory demonstrated 30 Watts output power, 50 dB gain - pallets delivered to client.
Tuneable Filter Module in GaAs Technology
Requirement
Client required development of a hybrid switch filter.
Outcome
Design services project offered to a UK company for a GaAs MMIC. Broadband design with a tuneable notch in the band of interest, an all pass mode, and an integrated power sampling port. Characterisation performed in-house under small signal,large-signal, noise figure, linearity, and over temperature conditions.
PIN Attenuators for Point to Point Communications
Requirement
Client required balanced attenuators from 6-20GHz in sub-bands.
Outcome
VIPER RF managed supply chain and designed a fully surfaced mount solution demonstrating excellent performance with high dynamic range, low insertion loss and high linearity IIP3>46dBm. Designs integrated into client's radio.
