News: Microelectronics
21 June 2022
Qorvo launches 8W gallium nitride PA modules for 5G designs
Qorvo Inc of Greensboro, NC, USA (which provides core technologies and RF solutions for mobile, infrastructure and defense applications) has launched the QPA3908 and QPA3810, two gallium nitride (GaN) 8W power amplifier modules (PAMs) that offer a combination of high performance and a significantly smaller footprint than traditional discrete component solutions, reducing the board-level footprint required by network infrastructure equipment manufacturers. The products target applications such as massive MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) base stations and open radio access networks (O-RAN) for active antenna systems.
The QPA3908 and QPA3810 are integrated two-stage PAMs designed for massive MIMO applications with 8W RMS at the device output. The QPA3908 has an operating frequency range of 3.7–3.98GHz, supporting US C-band applications. The QPA3810 has an operating frequency range of 3.4–3.8GHz, supporting applications in European markets. Both modules are input/output matched at 50Ω and require minimal external components.
Japan’s NEC Corp has partnered with Qorvo to implement the QPA3908 and QPA3810 PAMs to deliver an advanced 5G end-to-end O-RAN network.
“Qorvo’s GaN solutions for 5G are a means to minimize cost and increase capacity,” says Diwakar Vishakhadatta, general manager of Qorvo’s Infrastructure business. “These two GaN-powered modules support the growth of 5G rollouts in the US and Europe with greater integration at the board level, and reduced complexity,” he adds. “Our focus is on efficiency and linearity for our customer partners.”
The QPA3908 and QPA3810 each incorporate a driver PA and Doherty final stage delivering high power-added efficiency (PAE) for the entire module at 8W average power. The modules are input and output matched components providing superior performance and are completely assembled with no additional tuning necessary. These single-tuned modules simplify 5G network architecture and reduce design time, offering a more elegant solution than multiple discrete PAs, says Qorvo.
The QPA3908 and QPA3810 PAMs are available now and are ramping up to support key customer 5G deployments for North America.
