Can I turn the RF source on or off within 200 ns? In pulse radar systems, high power amplifiers (HPAs) must switch quickly between transmit and receive modes. Traditional methods rely on drain control, which involves switching large currents between 28 V and 50 V. This approach often requires additional circuitry, increasing size and complexity.
Modern phased array systems demand lower SWaP (size, weight, and power), making it desirable to simplify the HPA control mechanism. This article introduces a novel gate pulse drive circuit that enables fast HPA switching without the need for a drain switch. The measured switching time is under 200 ns, providing more than enough margin for applications targeting 1 μs.
The proposed circuit offers several advantages: programmable offset to account for device variations, gate clamping to prevent voltage spikes, and overshoot compensation to improve rise time. It converts a logic-level signal into a controlled negative voltage pulse suitable for GaN HPA gate control.
A typical drain control configuration uses a series FET to supply high voltage to the HPA. However, this setup requires complex control circuits and adds physical size. The alternative gate drive circuit simplifies this by eliminating the need for drain switches while maintaining performance.
The circuit design uses an operational amplifier in an inverting configuration with a precision DAC for reference voltage control. Key components include resistors for gain adjustment, capacitors for noise filtering, and clamping resistors to protect the HPA from overvoltage. A small capacitor compensates for gate capacitance, ensuring a sharp pulse response.
Testing was conducted using evaluation boards for DACs, op amps, and HPAs. An oscilloscope measured the RF signal's on/off timing, confirming a sub-200 ns rise time and a significantly faster fall time. These results show that the circuit meets and exceeds the requirements for fast HPA switching in phased array systems.
Layout considerations were also explored, showing that the circuit can be integrated into compact designs with minimal space. This makes it ideal for high-density phased array applications where size and efficiency are critical.
In conclusion, the proposed gate pulse circuit offers a simple, effective solution for fast HPA switching. It reduces complexity, improves reliability, and supports future advancements in integrated radar systems. With its low SWaP and high performance, this design has the potential to become a standard in next-generation phased array applications.
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