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C h a p t e r 4 | D e s i g n i n g f o r G r o u n d a n d A i r b o r n e U s e components combine power amplifiers (PAs) and low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) into a single device that drives the individual elements of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antennas. They allow precise beam-steering and the tracking of fast- moving satellites across the sky. The AESA Lattice AESA antennas are built in a grid or lattice, with each radiating element connected to a BFIC. These arrays comprise hundreds or even thousands of individual elements. To make the construction practical, each BFIC needs to be both compact and thermally efficient. Therefore, designers must select semiconductors that meet the required RF performance, while staying within a strict set of physical and power constraints. In terminals intended for ground and airborne applications, the most common frequencies are those in the Ku and Ka bands. These demand precise, high- frequency amplification along with low noise reception. BFIC design is therefore a combination of size, output power, and linearity, all in an energy efficient package. Power Amplifier Considerations When designing integrated SATCOM terminals, the power amplification within the BFIC is critical for ensuring a strong, clean transmission to the satellite. However, low power density is a limitation of silicon-based PAs, especially at Ku and Ka band frequencies. While silicon offers advantages of cost and ease of integration, it cannot match the power output of compound semiconductors like GaN. • Efficiency is an important consideration in portable and thermally constrained environments. Efficient PAs reduce the thermal load, easing the burden on cooling systems and minimizing energy consumption, allowing terminal design to be compact and more cost-effective. • Linearity is essential for advanced modulation schemes such as 256-QAM Antennas used in these constellations often contain 500 to 1,000 elements, requiring numerous beamformers. For terminal designers, cost, power consumption, and thermal dissipation are all critical considerations." Ryan Jennings Director of SATCOM and Systems Engineering, Qorvo 20 Engineering the Future of Satellite Communications