Qorvo has introduced the industry’s first fully-integrated Tx/Rx Front-End Module (FEM) family capable of delivering up to 10 Watts of saturated RF transmit power in a small, 7 mm x 5 mm land grid array (LGA) package. Using Qorvo’s patented heterogeneous packaging techniques, this new FEM product family delivers the power density, reliability, and reduced size needed for next-generation X-band radar and surveillance platforms.
The flagship product, QPF5010, can generate 10 watts of power, which is three times greater than the closest competitive solution while operating between 8-12 GHz (X-band) and delivers an industry-best Power Added Efficiency (PAE) of 30-40%. It achieves this by using best-in-class GaN and GaAs solutions for the four functional blocks, including the T/R switch, power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, and limiter. Qorvo also offers pin-compatible 5-watt (QPF5005) and 2-watt (QPF5002) solutions as part of the product family.
The QPF5010 provides engineers with a high-performance FEM in a compact size to make design, layout, assembly, and test easier to achieve, allowing for shorter design cycles and faster time to market. With three different power ratings (10W, 5W, 2W) in the same package configuration, the family delivers flexibility for more advanced designs, eliminating the need to create new and unique layouts for each power rating.
The integrated Surface Mount Technology (SMT) design also dramatically improves overall reliability and extends Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) by eliminating many of the potential failure points inherent with discrete PCB alternatives. Procurement and supply chain challenges are reduced due to a smaller bill of materials (BOM). A heterogeneous multi-chip module (MCM) packaging capability can be extended to other frequency bands and applications as needed.
The QPF5010 is the culmination of years of listening to what customers need, and strong collaboration between design engineering, manufacturing, and materials engineering teams to deliver.
The QPF5010, QPF5005, and QPF5002, with the following specifications, are available for sampling to qualified customers:
Specifications | QPF5010 | QPF5005 | QPF5002 |
Frequency Range | 8-12 GHz | 8-12 GHz | 8.5-10.5 GHz |
Rx Noise Figure | 2.2 dB | 2.1 dB | 2.2 dB |
Rx Small Signal Gain | 25 dB | 25 dB | 24 dB |
Tx Large Signal Gain | 22 dB | 25 dB | 20.5 dB |
Tx Saturated Power | 10 W | 5 W | 2 W |
Tx PAE | 32% | 35% | 37% |
Packaging Dimensions | 7 x 5 mm | 7 x 5 mm | 7 x 5 mm |
Click here to learn more about QPF5002.
Click here to learn more about QPF5005.
Click here to learn more about QPF5010.
