Broadband Gallium Nitride Power Amplifier for Microwave Calibration Instrumentation

设计工程师和研究人员使用的实验室测试和测量（T&M）设备定期校准，以确保测量准确度和精度。专业的超高性能仪器用于校准台式T&M设备。 皇后大学和Guildline Instruments（史密斯瀑布，安大略）在该研究项目中合作开发宽带高功率微波功率放大器，作为微波功率计，频谱分析仪和精密部件（如衰减器和电阻负载）的校准仪器。 该功率放大器将采用氮化镓（GaN）技术实现，因为该技术在高频下具有经验证的高输出功率能力，并且在温度范围内具有稳健的性能。 皇后大学的研究人员在使用GaN和硅技术设计微波电路和系统方面拥有丰富的经验。Guildline Instruments是设计和制造校准设备和计量标准的全球领导者。通过该项目，高素质人员（HQP）将在技术性能空间的顶点接受微波系统设计，模拟和测试方面的培训。 与此同时，Guildline员工将获得重要的技术见解，这些见解将指导公司未来的产品开发。

Laboratory test and measurement (T&M) equipment used by design engineers and researchers is periodically calibrated to ensure measurement accuracy and precision. Specialized, ultra-high performance, instrumentation is used to calibrate benchtop T&M equipment. Queen's University and Guildline Instruments (Smiths Falls, Ontario) have partnered in this research project to develop a broadband high-power microwave power amplifier as a calibration instrument for microwave power meters, spectrum analyzers and precision parts such as attenuators and resistive loads. The power amplifier will be realized using gallium-nitride (GaN) technology due to its proven high-output power capabilities at high-frequencies and its robust performance over temperature. Queen's researchers have extensive experience in the design of microwave circuits and systems using GaN and silicon technologies. Guildline Instruments is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of calibration equipment and metrology standards. Through this project Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) will be trained in the design, simulation and testing of microwave systems at the apex of the technology performance space. Meanwhile, Guildline personnel will gain important technology insights that will guide future product development at the company.