This project addresses the combination of new device technology, detailed device modeling, and new circuit techniques for small, Earth-terminal, low-cost, Ka-band receivers. The development of both GaAa and silicon-bipolar MMICs are key to cost improvement in these systems, but hybrid solutions for selected components can still be cost effective when there is a performance benefit. The microwave device and related assembly costs are only a part of the total which includes significant mechanical costs and the cost of an input isolator. In this project, a combination of device and circuit design will focus on the simplification of microwave hardware to retain the high performance levels required of a 20 GHz, low-noise receiver while eliminating the need for an input isolator normally used to provide input impedance match. Specifically, 0.1-micron-gate-length, pseudomorphic HEMTs, which offer superior noise and gain performance, will be used in feedback circuit designs which provide simultaneous noise- and signal-match through feedback techniques. Applications would be in 20-GHz, low-noise receivers for satellite and terrestrial communication systems. low noise receivers, GaAs microwave circuits, satellite communications, pseudomorphic HEMTs, feedback circuit design
