Geared for Success

On-site capabilities further enhance our R&D efforts. QuinStar is well equipped with the facilities and the know-how to quickly move from concept to reality. Vertically integrated capabilities support our design engineers with simulation, fabrication, and analysis capacities. We call our ability to change directions quickly and to fabricate and modify parts “synchronous optimization.” Read more here.

At QuinStar, we see a world more connected with real-time, critical information. Our millimeter-wave research and development work supports the transformative technologies that shape the future. We are humbled to be a part of these exciting efforts.

You can read more about our externally funded research efforts at the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) website. In addition, we’ve listed some of our recent accomplishments. Finally, we’ve provided links to our recent contributions to thought leadership in the MMW technical space.

Highlighted SBIR Awards

The SBIR program encourages domestic small businesses to engage in R&D efforts with potential for commercialization. The highly competitive program funds small businesses to expand their technological potential. QuinStar received its first SBIR contract in 1996. Over the years, SBIR has awarded us numerous contracts, both for Phase I and Phase II work. To illustrate, we’ve listed a few of our more recent successfully completed programs.

2022

  • Phase II SBiR program to develop V-band Solid State Power Amplifier from 59 to 65 GHz.
  • Phase II SBIR program to develop F-band Solid-State Power Amplifier from 106 to 114GHz.
  • Phase II SBIR program to develop a dual band 100W power amplifier over 29-31 GHz and 43.5-45.5 GHz.
  • Phase II SBIR to develop V-band cross-link, high-efficiency SSPA (59-65 GHz) for SATMON terminals, 50W, 25% PAE.
  • Phase II SBIR to develop Dual-band multi-platform SSPA covering both Ka- and Q-band, 100W, 30% PAE.
  • Phase II SBIR to develop F-band SSPA (106-114 GHz) for NASA airborne observatory, 4W, 25% PAE.

2021

  • Phase I SBIR program to develop an F-band solid-state power amplifier from 105 to 116 GHz.
  • Phase II SBIR program to develop V-band Solid State Power Amplifier from 65-71 GHz.
  • Phase II SBIR to develop V-band SSPA (65-71 GHz) for NASA weather pressure sensors, 10W, 30% PAE.

2020

  • Phase I SBIR program to develop a V-band LNA from 65 to 71 GHz.
  • Phase I SBIR program to develop a dual band power amplifier with a goal of 100 W output power over 29-31 GHz and 43.5-45.5 GHz.
  • Phase I SBIR program to develop a SSPA capable of delivering 50W output power with >25% PAE from 59 to 65 GHz.
  • Phase I SBIR program to develop a cross-link SSPA capable of delivering 10W output power with 10 dB power slope from 65 to 71 GHz.

2018

  • Phase II SBIR program to deliver a high-power, high-efficiency amplifier to NASA operating at Ka-band frequencies (31-34 GH). This amplifier produced an output power of greater than 20 W with an associated efficiency (PAE) of great than 30% over the full 31 to 34 GHz band. Biased for power at 32.5 GHz, it produced an output power of 32 W with an associated efficiency of 31%. These are new benchmarks in efficiency for power amplifiers operating at this power level and frequency.
  • Phase II SBIR program to deliver a 40 W, E-band SSPA to AFRL. This amplifier produced state-of-the-art power levels (40 W) over the 78 to 88 GHz band and efficiencies of typically 10%.

2017

  • Phase II SBIR program with NASA to develop a high-power GaN amplifier operating at F-band frequencies. This amplifier, producing an output power of 2 W across the 102 – 118 GHz band, is the first demonstration of a GaN amplifier operating above 100 GHz and represents the highest output power for any solid-state device at this frequency.

2016

  • Phase I SBIR program to develop a 44 GHz SSPA with an output power of 45 W. Also awarded the Phase II for this program.
  • Phase I SBIR program to develop a V-band LNA. Also awarded the Phase II for this program.
  • Phase II SBIR program to develop a V-Band Solid State Power Amplifier with Integrated Combiner.

2014

2013

  • SBIR Phase I, W-band Airborne SATCOM Power Amplfier.
  • SBIR Phase I, Low Noise Amplifier with Noise-cancelling for SATCOM.

2012

2010

2009

  • SBIR Phase I, Next Gen Ultra-linear SHF/EHF Solid State Power Amplifiers.