A novel setup allowing for recovery time measurement of robust GaN LNA is presented in this paper. The setup is based on an PNA-X vector network analyzer and allows for the characterization of the LNA's small-signal gain, while it also monitors overdrive pulse power and reflected pulse power. The system setup and operation is shown in detail. As an example, two different GaN LNAs were measured in order to validate the test setup.
Rugged GaN HEMT low-noise amplifiers are well established, but the common concept of achieving ruggedness by applying the gate supply voltage through a high ohmic resistance might not be sufficient in addition to control the maximum output power. This paper shifts the focus to the protection of subsequent stages and proposes a circuit concept based on an output attenuator and an adaptive drain supply. It is shown that the concept implementation provides an attenuation of up to 28dB under input overdrive condition while leaving small-signal noise Figure unaffected.
Rugged GaN HEMT low-noise amplifiers are well established, but the common concept of achieving ruggedness by applying the gate supply voltage through a high ohmic resistance might not be sufficient in addition to control the maximum output power. This paper shifts the focus to the protection of subsequent stages and proposes a circuit concept based on an output attenuator and an adaptive drain supply. It is shown that the concept implementation provides an attenuation of up to 28 dB under input overdrive condition while leaving small-signal noise figure unaffected.