The QPF4006 from Qorvo is a GaN MMIC Front End Module (FEM) that operates from 37 to 40.5 GHz. This FEM consists of a multi-stage PA on the Tx side, a Tx/Rx switch, and an LNA on the Rx side. The Tx PA provides a saturated output power of 33 dBm with a gain of 23 dB and has a PAE of 7% at 24 dBm average output power. On the Rx side, the LNA provides a saturated output power of 17 dBm with a gain of 18 dB and has a noise figure of 4.2 dB. The Tx/Rx switch has a low insertion loss and provides high isolation between the paths.
This FEM is fabricated on Qorvo’s 0.15 um GaN on SiC process and is housed in an air-cavity laminate package with an embedded copper heat slug. The copper slug is coupled with a low thermal resistance die-attach process that allows it to operate at the extreme case temperatures needed in phased array applications. This FEM is available in an SMT package that measures 4.5 x 4 mm and is ideal for phased array 5G base stations and terminals, and point to point communication applications.
