Affiliations: Communications Research Centre, 3701 Carling Avenue, PO Box 11490, Station H, Ottawa, ON K2H 8S2, Canada Tel.: 613 998 1286; Fax: 613 990 8369; E‐mail: [email protected], [email protected] | Defence Research and Development Canada, 3701 Carling Avenue, PO Box 11490, Station H, Ottawa, ON K2H 8S2, Canada Tel.: 818 734 6511; Fax: 818 734 6530; E‐mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The design of a highly linear microwave driver amplifier is presented. The design uses the latest commercial, off‐the‐shelf components, rather than unique, research devices. Cost‐effective, general‐purpose broadband devices from WJ Communications have been employed. The driver amplifier design is optimized for the satellite communications transmit band, 1626.5–1660.5 MHz. The circuit reported would be of interest to RF designers working on L‐band satellite communications transceivers or designers interested in issues involved in the use of commercial devices designed for terrestrial applications.