Design and development of k-band low noise amplifier module for space applications

In this thesis, the radio frequency (RF) front-end K-band low-noise amplifier (LNA) module for space applications has been designed and manufactured. The LNA module has been developed to provide electrical and physical performances that can serve in satellite. In this context, a LNA monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) was designed and manufactured by using low-noise circuit topologies to enhance the noise characterization of the LNA module. The LNA MMIC design has been implemented with a two-stage circuit architecture based on a common-source topology. Thus, the gain and linearity of the LNA MMIC are improved. In addition, the source degeneration method was applied in each stage so as to enhance the stability and balance the gain with noise figure by simplifying the input matching. A gain of 21 dB with a noise figure less than 1.05 dB in the 18-21 GHz was obtained from the LNA MMIC. In addition, the P1dB output power and carrier-to-interference (C/I) of the LNA MMIC were obtained as +9.2 dBm and -70 dBc, respectively. According to measurement results, the lowest noise with moderately high gain in the K-band was obtained in the literature. Utilizing the developed LNA MMIC, the design and production of the LNA module with input WR51 and output 2.92 mm connector were realized. From the developed LNA module, noise figure of 1.4 dB and a gain of 36 dB were obtained in the 18-21 GHz. Moreover, P1dB and C/I of the LNA module were obtained as +7.4 dBm and -62 dBc, respectively. In order to predict that the developed LNA module can operate in harsh space conditions for 15 years, radiation, part approval process and reliability analyzes have been performed.