Diamond Microwave Devices

Diamond Microwave Ltd (DML) is a technology firm that engineers and supplies high-power Gallium Nitride (GaN) solid-state power amplifiers (SSPA). The company originated as Diamond Microwave Devices Ltd (DMD), founded in 2006 by Richard Lang and spun out from Element Six Technologies' diamond electronics team. In its early years, DMD secured significant funding, including a £1.34 million grant from the UK's Technology Strategy Board in 2009, to advance its work on diamond-based microwave transistors. A key development in the company's structure occurred in 2019 when Diamond Microwave Ltd (DML) was established and signed a licensing agreement with DMD. This arrangement allowed DML to further develop, manufacture, and commercialize DMD's amplifier technology, with Richard Lang, formerly CEO of DMD, becoming a director and CEO of DML.

The company's business is centered on designing, manufacturing, and selling compact GaN SSPA modules. These devices serve as a solid-state alternative to traditional vacuum tube technology, such as traveling wave tubes (TWTs). Its client base operates within demanding sectors including aerospace, defense, and communications. Revenue is generated through the sale of its amplifier products and by offering bespoke design services to tailor products to specific client requirements for performance and interfacing. In February 2020, TMD Technologies, a manufacturer of microwave industry equipment, became a strategic investor and shareholder in DML, enhancing a collaborative relationship that had existed for several years.

DML's product portfolio consists of compact and robust high-power SSPA modules that utilize GaN transistor technology. These amplifiers operate in specific frequency bands between 2GHz and 18GHz, offering power outputs from 10W up to 1kW in both pulsed and continuous wave (CW) modes. Key features of their products include drain-pulsing with fast switching times, thermal and health monitoring, digital phase adjustment, and an I2C interface. The amplifiers are engineered for high-performance applications such as civil and military radar (including weather, marine, and air traffic control), electronic warfare and jamming, satellite communications, and for use in medical and materials science. The company highlights the high power-to-volume ratio of its products as a key differentiator in the market.

Keywords: Gallium Nitride, GaN, solid-state power amplifiers, SSPA, microwave amplifiers, Richard Lang, X-band, Ku-band, radar systems, electronic warfare, aerospace, defense electronics, high-power amplifiers, RF power, microwave technology, TMD Technologies, communications systems, solid-state transmitters, military radar, weather radar, air traffic control radar