Tudor Williams (CTO, Filtronic plc) presenting at Interlligent UK's 2024 RF & Microwave Design Seminar.
Traditionally, Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTAs) have been the go-to choice for applications requiring high power in the upper mmWave spectrum, such as ground stations for satellite feeder links. However, recent technical advancements in semiconductor processes and related amplifier designs, along with innovative, ultra-low loss waveguide combining techniques, are driving a transition in the emerging new space market towards Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) with high power offerings at frequencies exceeding 100 GHz. This presentation explored these advancements and provided a comparative analysis of TWTAs and SSPAs, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each technology.