K-PA, a specialized RF semiconductor company, has introduced KXL1, a high-performance X-band GaN MMIC Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) designed for radar, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), satellite communications, and phased-array receiver applications. Built on GaN technology, the KXL1 addresses the growing demand for receiver solutions capable of maintaining low-noise performance while offering improved robustness in high-power RF environments.
The KXL1 operates from 7.0 to 12.0 GHz with a small-signal gain of 26 dB and a noise figure of 1.45 dB. It provides a saturated output power of 19 dBm while operating from a 6 V supply.
Compared with conventional receiver technologies, GaN-based LNAs can provide enhanced tolerance to transmitter leakage, strong interfering signals, and demanding operational conditions frequently encountered in modern radar and aerospace systems. The device is particularly well suited for X-band SAR payloads, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, electronic warfare systems, and satellite communication terminals, where receiver reliability and linearity are becoming increasingly important alongside low-noise performance.
"The industry often associates GaN technology with power amplifiers, but its advantages can also extend to next generation receiver architectures," said Kiburm (K) Ahn, Managing Director of K-PA Inc. "With the introduction of KXL1, K-PA expands its GaN portfolio beyond transmit functions and further strengthens its capability to support complete X-band front-end solutions."
The KXL1 complements K-PA's growing family of X-band GaN MMIC products, including high-power amplifiers, integrated front-end modules, and custom MMIC development services. Together, these technologies enable system developers to build highly integrated RF subsystems using a common GaN technology platform.
K-PA was showcasing this product along with its complete amplifier portfolio at IMS 2026.
