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High-reliability LDMOS and GaN RF transistors for Avionics

Powering reliable Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance across the skies

Avionics systems form the backbone of safe and efficient airspace operations, where precision, reliability, and communication integrity are essential. From air-traffic control and navigation to identification and collision avoidance, RF power amplification lies at the heart of both airborne and ground-based infrastructure.

Applications such as Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN), Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), Secondary Surveillance Radar (Mode S / ATCRBS), and Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS / ACAS) all rely on high-performance L-band amplification between 960 MHz and 1215 MHz.

At higher frequencies, S-band primary and weather radars (2.7–2.9 GHz) depend on solid-state RF power to deliver long-range, high-resolution situational awareness.

Ampleon’s LDMOS technology has been trusted for decades in these demanding systems, combining high peak power, thermal stability, and proven reliability under extreme conditions.

Building on this heritage, Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices extend performance to new levels of efficiency, power density, and compactness, enabling the next generation of energy-optimized avionics platforms.

Key features
High-efficiency pulsed RF performance across L- and S-band systems
Rugged, thermally optimized design for airborne and ground equipment
Scalable power levels from tens of watts to multi-kilowatt arrays
Broad portfolio supporting both new and legacy architectures
Qualified packaging for harsh operational environments
Key benefits
Proven reliability in aviation and defense communication systems
Thermal robustness ensuring long service life under extreme conditions
Lower total cost of ownership through high efficiency and durability
Seamless migration path from LDMOS to GaN for next-generation designs
Platform compatibility across a wide range of avionics applications
Broadband RF systems across Avionics bands
Broadband RF systems across Avionics bands
Application overview
Report number Type number Technology Recommended driver Frange (MHz) P1dB (W)* P3dB (W)* ηD (%) VDS (V)
AR181082 BLA9H0912L(S)-1200P(G) LDMOS BLP15H9S30(G) 960–1215 1100 55 50
AR181126 BLA9H0912L(S)-700(G) LDMOS BLP15H9S30(G) 1030–1090 600 750 55 50
AR161145 BLA9G1011L(S)-300(G) LDMOS BLP15M9S30(G) 1030–1090 > 300 > 63.5 32
AR181125 BLA9H0912L(S)-250(G) LDMOS BLP15H9S10 1030–1090 275 340 55 50
AR181109 BLA9H0912L(S)-250(G) LDMOS BLP15H9S10 960–1215 250 300 55 50
AR211131** CLS3H2731L(S)-700 GaN CLF3H0035(S)-100 2700–3100 700 58 50
AR191060 CLL3H0914L(S)-700 GaN BLP15H9G30 1200–1400 700 > 61 50
AR201110 CLL3H0914L(S)-700 GaN BLP15H9S30 960–1215 725 62 52
AR232016 BLP15M9S70(G) LDMOS 950–1200 55 50 28
AR202046 BLP15H9S30(G) LDMOS 1025–1150 30 39 > 50 50
AR191184 BLP15H9S10(G) LDMOS 1030–1090 10 10.9 63.5 50

* CW pulsed test signal

** For access, please contact our local sales representative via: www.ampleon.com/contact

Committed to your success

During the entire process from design to delivery, we provide a range of support options to address your needs. Whether you require load-pull data, application boards, samples, ADS / AWR models, assistance with a complex design challenge or seek quick advice, we are on stand-by to support you. Our application engineering resources are spread around the globe, with our offices in Nijmegen / The Netherlands, Toulouse / France, Smithfield / USA, and Shanghai / China.