News: Microelectronics
18 June 2024
Qorvo adds three compact MMIC power amplifiers for Ku-band SATCOM terminals
Qorvo Inc of Greensboro, NC, USA (which provides core technologies and RF solutions for mobile, infrastructure and defense applications) has launched three monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) power amplifiers designed specifically for Ku-band satellite communications (SATCOM) terminals.
Fabricated using Qorvo’s QGaN15 production 0.15μm gallium nitride on silicon carbide (GaN-on-SiC) process, the new products are the latest additions to a family of devices designed to enhance performance and efficiency in satellite uplink systems, supporting the growing demand for high-speed data communications in defense and aerospace applications. The output power of the amplifier family ranges from 8W to 55W, providing flexibility to choose the optimal power required for each specific requirement.
Product highlights include the following:
- QPA1314: This high-power MMIC amplifier operates in the 13.75–14.5GHz range, delivering a saturated output power of 55W and a linear power of 20W with 25dBc third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD3) products. It is packaged in a 15mm x 15mm bolt-down configuration with a copper base for superior thermal performance and reliability. With a large-signal gain of 22.5dB and 30% power-added efficiency (PAE), it is suitable for both commercial and defense SATCOM and radar applications.
- QPA0016: Designed for applications requiring 15W of output power, this amplifier provides 35dB of small-signal gain (and 5W of linear power with 25dBc IMD3) and combines high efficiency (32% PAE) with a compact 7.5mm x 5mm SMT package, suiting for a variety of satcom terminal designs.
- QPA0015: This amplifier delivers 3W of linear power (with 25dBc IMD3) and 8W of output power (with 35dB of small-signal gain and 32% PAE) in a 7mm x 4.5mm SMT package for high-throughput ground and mobile terminals, offering a balance of power, size and efficiency.
The latest offerings “open up new possibilities in datalinks, radar and satellite communications,” says Doug Bostrom, general manager of Qorvo’s Defense and Aerospace business. “With over two decades of experience providing SATCOM solutions, we have worked closely with design engineers who drive SATCOM advancements,” he adds. “Based on their valuable input, our new amplifier family represents the next logical step in advancing these designs.”
Features and benefits of the new amplifiers include:
- Wide frequency range: All three amplifiers operate primarily in the 13.75–14.5GHz SATCOM frequency band, with extended frequency coverage of 12.75–15.35GHz to provide coverage ranging from lower Ku-band to CDL (common data link) band. This wide frequency range ensures versatile and flexible operation, enabling seamless communication across various satellite and terrestrial systems.
- High efficiency: The new amplifiers provide up to 12% higher PAE, enhancing the overall performance and reducing power consumption in SATCOM systems.
- Compact packaging: The variety of package sizes, including both bolt-down and surface-mount options, ensures easy integration into existing and new terminal designs, supporting both traditional and innovative ground terminal applications.
- Enhanced thermal management: The QPA1314’s copper base and the compact designs of the QPA0016 and QPA0015 provide superior thermal performance, ensuring reliability and longevity in demanding environments.
Samples of the QPA1314, QPA0016 and QPA0015 are available now from Qorvo and its authorized distributors. Samples and production devices of the previously released QPA0017 are also available.
Qorvo is exhibiting booth 112 at the 2024 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS) in Washington DC (16–21 June).
