Integration aspects of a 29.5 GHz MMIC single sideband modulator

Direct modulation is proposed for future Ka-band communications systems to reduce the cost and size, and to improve the reliability. The RF circuitry can potentially be integrated onto a single wafer using advanced GaAs-based PHEMT MMIC technology. In this paper, the performance of a baseband to 29.15 GHz single-halanced mixer is reported. Also, the integration aspects of a baseband to 29.5 GHz single sideband (SSB) modulator for advanced satcom terminals is discussed.