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Load testing the bias power supply. The amp uses an expensive ($650) GaN transistor which must have bias applied before main power, or it will be destroyed - it’s ‘on’ by default and needs bias to switch ‘off’. I’m being extra careful with this, will also verify the power up sequence on a scope, response to short circuit etc.

Here's a trace of the power up sequence, with the gate voltage at the top, and drain at the bottom. I'm not sure if the CRO is fast enough to catch the sequence correctly, because I can't tell if there's a gap between gate & drain. IIUC, the negative regulator chip provides a 'voltage ok' signal that is used to switch the gate, so it should be ok. But, I'll keep investigating until I'm sure.

This is the kind of thing that leads to long development times for amateur microwave radio projects, so many (fascinating) rabbit holes and a lot of learning as you go. I wonder if more people knew about this aspect of the hobby, whether we'd see more and younger people joining.