Qorvo has announced two highly-integrated dual channel switch-LNA modules for base station implementations of massive MIMO. When combined with Qorvo’s GaN-based integrated driver and power amplifier module, the dual channel switch-LNA modules will provide a complete, highly integrated solution for wireless infrastructure manufacturers who are seeking to quickly and cost-effectively implement pre-5G massive MIMO networks.
5G networks using massive MIMO are expected to be operational by 2020, with approximately 700 million 5G connections by 2025. Massive MIMO is expected to allow base stations to transmit multiple streams of data, while beamforming will bring higher gain and power, allowing for greater data capacity. Mobile operators now are increasing data capacity with the deployment of sub-6 GHz massive MIMO networks.
The QPB9318 and QPB9319 are highly integrated dual channel switch-LNA modules that support frequency bands below 5 GHz. The modules pair with Qorvo’s high performance GaN-based QPA2705 to provide a complete massive MIMO RF solution.
At IMS 2016, Qorvo had demonstrated industry-leading ultra-wideband linearization results with the QPA2705. Now with this complete solution, operators will be able to implement highly efficient, small form-factor massive MIMO transceivers for next-generation base stations. While the QPB9318 and QPA2705 are currently shipping in production volumes to large base station OEMs, samples of the QPB9319 will be available in the June quarter.
Highlights of the complete massive MIMO RF Solution are:
QPA2705: Integrated 5W GaN Driver and GaN Doherty Power Amplifier
- 36dB gain
- PAE of 43%
- Compact 6x10mm surface mount package
QPB9318: 2.3 - 2.7 GHz Dual Channel Switch LNA Module
- Industry’s first integrated dual channel receive solution for TDD Bands 38, 40 and 41
- Low 1.3dB noise figure for improved link budgets
- Small 5x5mm surface mount form factor for reduced board space
- 10W average power handling for improved Rx robustness
QPB9319: 1.8 - 4.2 GHz Dual Channel Switch LNA Module
- Covers all major TDD bands up to 4.2 GHz, targeting massive MIMO base station architectures
- High power switch with LNA bypass function integrated in a dual-channel configuration
- SOI-based switch eliminates need for costly pin-diode driver circuit and high voltage supply
- Internally matched bias allows for ease of use
- Sampling next quarter, with additional 4.5 - 5.0 GHz pin-compatible solutions in development
