Packaging and thermal management of gallium-nitride amplifiers for high power antenna panel applications

Jonathan J Gregory, Purdue University

Abstract

Highly efficient Gallium-Nitride amplifiers allow for high-power electrical performance while using smaller and more efficient thermal management methods. The high efficiency of these amplifiers also permits the use of lower cost, plastic packaging, as compared to expensive traditional amplifier packaging. The goal of this research is to determine the smallest and most efficient thermal management technique that maintains required electrical performance for panel-mounted amplifiers. To this end, this thesis investigates the electrical and thermal performance of these amplifiers when packaged in plastic and mounted in a panel environment. Self-heating and its impact on the amplifier performance is discussed. The effects of various thermal management methods on electrical performance are studied to determine which methods provide the best performance.

Degree

M.S.E.C.E.

Advisors

Chappell, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Electrical engineering

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