| This paper describes the performance of an L-to-Ka-band upconverter for satellite communications. This upcon-verter uses spatially combined Grid Amplifier modules to achieve 50W saturated output power, while meeting line-arity requirements for third-order intermodulation, AM/PM conversion, and spectral regrowth at 25W output. The production unit is packaged in a compact rugged out-door enclosure that weighs only 32 pounds. The unit’s size and efficiency allow it to be mounted very near the feed on truck or trailer systems, thereby eliminating cumbersome long waveguide runs. Furthermore, this solid-state unit maintains the potential for high-volume production, thereby lowering cost through economies of scale. |
| Michael P. DeLisio received the B.S.E. degree in electrical engineering from The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, in 1990, and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, in 1991 and 1996, respectively.
In 2001, he co-founded Wavestream Corporation, West Covina, CA, where he is Chief Technical Officer. He also holds a Visiting Associate position at the California Institute of Technology. From 1996 to 2001 he held a faculty position in electrical engineering at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. |