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High-Efficiency 5-kW, 1500-MHz Solid-State Power Amplifier

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Energy 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
57016 		Program Year/Program:
2002 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
70034S02-I 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Green Mountain Radio Research Company
77 Vermont Avenue Colchester, VT 05446-3121
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2002
Title: High-Efficiency 5-kW, 1500-MHz Solid-State Power Amplifier
Agency: DOE
Contract: DE-FG02-02ER83452
Award Amount: $100,000.00
 

Abstract:

70034 Accelerators for nuclear physics research currently use vacuum-tube devices (klystrons) to generate high-power signals at 1500 MHz. As a result, they are subject to low efficiency, aging effects, low reliability, short life, and high operating expense. This project will develop an improved power amplifier by utilizing wide-bandgap semiconductor devices and optimized power combining. The wide-bandgap semiconductor devices (SiC and GaN) will allow the production of significant power at microwave frequencies. The optimized combining strategy will maximize the efficiency in converting dc-input power to RF-output power. Phase I will define system requirements and determine the capabilities of SiC and GaN RF-power transistors. Trade-offs among different high-efficiency power implementations will be evaluated and the preferred concept will be tried in a small prototype amplifier. Finally, power-combiner strategies will be reviewed and an architecture for the 5-kW amplifier system will be developed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Nuclear-physics accelerators should benefit from reduced heat dissipation and reduced operating/maintenance costs. Adaptations of the power amplifiers should find use at UHF and lower microwave frequencies, including RF lighting, RF heating, base-station transmitters for cellular communication, and military communication/jamming.

Principal Investigator:

Frederick Raab
8026559670
f.raab@ieee.org

Business Contact:

Frederick Raab
70034
8026559670
f.raab@ieee.org
Small Business Information at Submission:

Green Mountain Radio Research Company
50 Vermont Avenue Fort Ethan Allen Colchester, VT 05406

EIN/Tax ID:
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees: N/A
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No