Several prototypes have been successfully tested for various applications. For cell phone infrastructure, Aria designed an amplifier to operate at 2.1 GHz. This increased power level meets the high peak power required of wide code division multiple access (W-CDMA) and time division multiple access (TDMA) base-station amplifiers. The technology could possibly enable a significant reduction of the number of base stations required to cover a certain area as compared with using high-power, state-of-the-art amplifiers.

An Aria prototype for high-power industrial heating also has shown success in tests. The amplifier operates at 915 MHz, with more than 700 Watts of output power at approximately 1-dB gain compression, which meets the requirements of most industrial applications such as semiconductor manufacturing, plasma processing, and large-scale food processing. Higher power can be attained by using higher-power transistors. Another variant operates at 2.45 GHz and can be used for plasma-fusion lighting. Such lighting, which requires microwave stimulation, is being used to replace conventional high-intensity lights at ballparks, arenas, and factories.

Where it Stands

Aria envisions its patented amplifier technology being used in commercial applications such as cell phone transmission towers, satellite television transmission systems for remote broadcast of events in high definition, and industrial processing units such as RF heaters for chemical processing. The company also is interested in using ARFCAs to enhance output power and reliability of radar as well as other military applications.

More Information

For more information on Aria’s microwave RF power amplifier, click here. (Source: MDA TechUpdate, Missile Defense Agency, National Technology Transfer Center Washington Operations)