DRDO Unveils 6 KW Solid State Power Amplifier Using Advanced GaN on SiC Technology for Next-Generation Radar Systems

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has marked another milestone in India’s defence technology journey by developing a sophisticated 6 KW Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA). This breakthrough system represents a major advancement in radar transmitter technology, promising greater efficiency, reliability, and operational readiness for future defence radar systems.

The project has been developed by DRDO’s Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) in collaboration with Bengaluru-based Aidin Technologies Pvt. Ltd. The amplifier is built using state-of-the-art Gallium Nitride on Silicon Carbide (GaN on SiC) technology — a material combination globally recognised for delivering superior performance in modern electronic systems.

What is a Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA)?

A Solid State Power Amplifier is an electronic device that takes in a low-power radio frequency (RF) signal and boosts it to a much higher power level. This amplified signal is then sent to a radar antenna, enabling it to detect and track objects like aircraft, missiles, and ships over long distances.

Unlike older vacuum tube-based transmitters (like magnetrons and klystrons), solid state systems are smaller, safer, more reliable, and need far less maintenance.

Key Features of DRDO’s 6 KW SSPA

• Peak Power Output: 6 KW (kilowatts) in pulsed operation.

• Frequency Range: 2.9 GHz to 3.3 GHz, suitable for S-band radar applications like the Indian Navy’s Air and Missile Defence Radars (AMDR).

• Pulse Width: 100 microseconds.

• Duty Cycle: 10 percent (meaning it emits pulses for 10% of the time).

• Modular Design: Built with eight 1.5 KW amplifier modules combined through advanced power combining techniques, offering both scalability and fault tolerance.

This modular approach allows the system to continue working even if one module fails — an essential feature in military operations where equipment reliability is critical.

Why GaN on SiC Technology Matters

Gallium Nitride (GaN) on Silicon Carbide (SiC) is one of the most advanced semiconductor technologies available today. It provides several advantages:

• Higher Power Density: Can deliver more power in a smaller, lighter package.

• Superior Thermal Performance: SiC efficiently dissipates heat, ensuring stable operation even at high power.

• Wider Frequency Range: Operates efficiently across a broad range of frequencies, making it ideal for multi-band radar systems.

• Higher Efficiency: Converts input power to output RF power more effectively, reducing energy waste and operational costs.

This makes GaN on SiC an ideal material for modern military radar systems, which demand high power, precision, and continuous operation.

System Design and Operation

The DRDO 6 KW SSPA is housed in a standard 19-inch, 18U rack. Each amplifier module includes forced air cooling systems to manage heat, industrial-grade power supplies compatible with 380V and 440V three-phase AC, and built-in monitoring, control, and protection systems. It also features remote control capabilities through Ethernet and RS422 communication protocols, allowing seamless integration with modern defence command networks.

Benefits Over Traditional Tube-Based Systems

Solid state power amplifiers like this one offer clear advantages over older, tube-based systems:

• Instant Operation: No warm-up time, unlike magnetrons and klystrons.

• Lower Maintenance: No fragile components like filaments or cathodes.

• Greater Reliability: MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) exceeding 250,000 hours compared to 3,000 hours for traditional systems.

• Graceful Degradation: Can keep working at reduced capacity if one module fails.

• Lower Operating Voltages: Safer and easier to maintain.

• Superior Phase Stability: Essential for accurate target tracking and clutter rejection.

Applications in Modern Defence Systems

The 6 KW SSPA is designed primarily for next-generation naval and land-based radar systems like the AMDR. However, its modular design means it can be adapted for:

• Long-range Surveillance Radars

• Fire Control Radars

• Missile Tracking Systems

• Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems

This flexibility ensures it will support a wide variety of mission-critical applications for India’s armed forces.

Strategic Importance and Future Implications

The successful development of this indigenous 6 KW SSPA marks a vital achievement in India’s defence self-reliance efforts. It not only reduces dependence on foreign suppliers but also positions India among the global leaders in solid state radar transmitter technologies.

The DRDO’s LRDE, since its establishment in 1962, has been India’s premier radar design agency. This latest innovation, in partnership with Aidin Technologies, demonstrates India’s growing capability in high-end defence electronics and positions the nation to develop even higher-powered and multi-band radar systems in the coming years.

The DRDO’s 6 KW Solid State Power Amplifier using GaN on SiC technology is a landmark in indigenous radar technology development. It promises to enhance the operational readiness, reliability, and performance of India’s next-generation radar systems while contributing to national security and defence modernisation goals.

As India moves towards building advanced, networked, and resilient military systems, innovations like this amplifier will play a crucial role in strengthening the country's defence technology base.