Reconfigurable UHF/L/S GaN front-end

A multi-band, multi-waveform radio can need additional RF paths, filters and switching to support several bands, depending on its architecture. Each path adds size, weight, power consumption and qualification effort. A front-end that reconfigures across UHF, L and S bands might replace several paths with one. The design question is how much of the matching, filtering and amplification can be shared across bands without degrading any of them.

• Multi-band, multi-waveform defence radios that move between UHF, L and S bands.
• Software-defined radio platforms that reuse one RF hardware path for several missions.
• Platforms where size, weight and power limits rule out a separate front-end for each band.

Objective

To study whether one reconfigurable transmit and receive path can serve selected UHF, L- and S-band requirements, and how much of the matching, filtering and amplification can be shared across the bands.

SkyBand scope

SkyBand would study the architecture, select the technology, design and simulate the circuits and plan their validation with you. The radio, its waveforms and the platform stay with the partner. The concept is a front-end function, not a complete radio, and it carries no qualification or availability commitment.

• How much of the matching and filtering is shared across the bands and how much is switched.
• Whether receive protection and a bypass path are needed, and in which form.
• How the work is split between GaN and any other technology.
• Whether the concept is delivered as a die, a module or a board-level function.

1. Multi-octave matching

   Holding a usable load across several bands is hard with one fixed network. The study addresses which parts of the matching can be shared and which must switch.

2. Switch power handling and linearity

   Switches in the transmit path carry the full signal. The study addresses their effect on loss, compression and intermodulation.

3. Harmonic filtering

   Each band needs its own harmonic rejection. The study addresses how to partition the filter bank against size and insertion loss.

4. Efficiency across the bands

   A power stage tuned for one band gives up efficiency in the others. The study addresses efficiency at power back-off and across the bands.

5. Thermal management

   GaN devices concentrate heat. The study addresses junction temperature and the thermal path through the package and the board.

GaN is the working technology direction. It combines high power density with wide bandwidth, which suits one power stage serving several bands. Process selection and the split between GaN and other technologies remain part of the study.

Tools and technologies →

1. Simulation of the circuits and the switched network across the bands.
2. Electromagnetic verification of the matching and filtering structures.
3. A characterisation plan agreed with the partner before tape-out.
4. Evaluation of a demonstrator against the agreed criteria.

Target specifications will be agreed during a scoped feasibility discussion.

TARGET

An intended objective, not yet demonstrated.

SIMULATED

A value predicted by simulation.

MEASURED

A value observed on fabricated hardware.

PLANNED

Work that is scheduled and not yet done.

No simulated or measured value is published for this concept.

Defence radio makers, platform integrators and programme offices that want one RF front-end across several bands and are ready to define the specification together.

Nothing here needs to be confidential. Describe these points in general terms and do not send controlled data through this website.

• The bands and waveforms the radio is meant to cover, described without controlled data.
• The size, weight and power limits of the platform.
• The integration level you prefer: die, module or board-level function.
• An indicative timeline and the evaluation you would expect.

• RFIC and MMIC design capabilities
• Tools and technologies