News: Microelectronics
29 March 2022
NXP launches RF GaN power transistors for 32T32R active antenna systems
NXP Semiconductors N.V. of Eindhoven, The Netherlands has announced a new series of RF power discrete solutions for 32T32R active antenna systems, using its latest proprietary gallium nitride (GaN) technology. The new series complements NXP’s existing portfolio of discrete GaN power amplifier solutions for 64T64R radios, covering all cellular frequency bands from 2.3GHz to 4.0GHz. NXP now offers what is claimed to be the largest RF GaN portfolio for massive multiple input, multiple output (massive MIMO) 5G radios.
As 5G networks continue to expand around the world, mobile network operators are adding 32T32R radios to increase their massive MIMO coverage beyond ultra-dense urban areas into less dense urban and suburban areas. By combining 32 antennas instead of 64, coverage can be maintained more cost effectively, while maintaining high-end 5G enabled by massive MIMO.
NXP says that its 32T32R solutions deliver twice the power in the same package as its 64T64R solutions, resulting in a smaller and lighter overall 5G connectivity solution. This pin-compatibility enables network operators to scale rapidly across frequency and power levels.
“As 5G deployments continue to expand globally, network operators need to extend their coverage while maintaining performance,” notes Jim Norling, VP & general manager, High Power Solutions, Radio Power, at NXP. “By offering twice the power in the same package size, NXP enables RF engineers to create base stations that are smaller, lighter and easier to deploy and conceal in urban and suburban areas.”
The new series of GaN discrete solutions is designed for 10W average power at the antenna, targeting 320W radio units, with up to 58% of drain efficiency. It includes driver and final-stage transistors and leverages NXP’s highly linearizable RF GaN technology manufactured in the firm’s new GaN fab in Arizona.
NXP incorporates GaN in MCMs to boost efficiency in 5G mobile infrastructure
NXP opens new 6” RF GaN fab in Arizona
NXP unveils RF power portfolio for 5G cellular infrastructure
