A new high‐efficiency K‐band MMIC medium‐power amplifier (PA) is designed with multiharmonic matching using GaAs pHEMT process technology. It has an operation frequency centered at 26 GHz with a bandwidth of 2 GHz. A 20 dBm 1 dB‐compression‐point output power and 40% efficiency are achieved. A novel thermal reliability analysis method based on ICEPAK is proposed also to evaluate its thermal characteristic. The test result by using a QFI InfraScope™ infrared imaging system is compared with the simulation result. It agrees well with an accuracy within ±1°C differences, which reflects the advantages of the thermal analysis method with respect to accuracy and convenience for use.