Ka-band MMIC has high linearity for satcom terminals, says Microchip
Designed to maintain signal integrity in satellite communications (satcom), the GMICP2731-10 has been released by Microchip. Satcom systems use complex modulation schemes to achieve the fast data rates required to deliver video and broadband data. This demands high RF output power yet all the while signals must retain their desired characteristics. The GMICP2731-10 GaN monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) power amplifier helps meet both of these requirements in commercial and defense satellite communications, 5G networks and other aerospace and defence systems, says Microchip.
The GMICP2731-10 is fabricated using GaN-on-SiC technology. It delivers up to 10W of saturated RF output power across the 3.5GHz of bandwidth between 27.5 to 31GHz. Its power-added efficiency is 20 per cent, with 22dB of small signal gain and 15dB of return loss. According to Microchip, the balanced architecture allows the GMICP2731-10 to be well matched to 50 Ohms and includes integrated DC blocking capacitors at the output to simplify design integration.
“As communication systems employ complex modulation schemes such as 128-QAM and as the power of solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) trends ever upwards, RF power amplifier designers have the difficult challenge of finding higher power solutions while at the same time reducing weight and power consumption,” said Leon Gross, vice president of Microchip’s Discrete products Group business unit. “GaN MMICs used in high power SSPAs can achieve greater than 30 per cent lower power and weight as compared to their GaAs counterparts, which is a huge gain for satellite OEMS, he said.
The GMICP2731-10 complements the company’s portfolio of GaAs MMIC RF power amplifiers, switches, low-noise amplifiers, and Wi-Fi front-end modules, as well as a GaN-on-SiC high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) driver and final amplifier transistors for radar systems.
Microchip and its distribution partners provide board design support. The company also provides compact models for the GMICP2731-10, which allow customers to model the performance and expedite the design of the power amplifier in their systems more easily.
The GMICP2731-10 is in volume production now.
