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RF Power Amplifiers for Frequency Modulated Signals

The wideband RF Power Amplifiers are major parts of the satellite, radar, and communication systems, which will use frequency modulation. One major metric that focuses on the usefulness of the High power RF amplifier is the power output and the bandwidth. These characteristics will determine if they can be used in cellular, chirped radar, or satellite applications. When compared to some of the other RF applications like precision scientific measurements that need lower bandwidth, these systems will make greater use of the RF power amplifiers when compared to the previous grounds.

The application areas:

As per some of the research made in 2023, the total market of the RF amplifier is expected to cross the $27 billion mark. Understanding the RF amplifier frequency range for that is important. RF power amplifiers are now expected to be used under multiple applications. Right from radar systems for drones and cars to mobile devices emitting various frequency bands, you can see its usage under multiple platforms.

  • Even though you can procure an integrated module of the RF transceiver, designers are also willing to innovate for the latest RF applications. For that, they have to purchase separate components and develop their own systems.
  • RF power amplifiers are one of the many components, which you need for constructing such systems for different applicable areas.
  • In this world of 5G and chirped FMCW radar systems, designers are in need of wideband RF power amplifiers with a vast linear range.
  • A broader bandwidth of the RF Power Amplifiers will offer higher target positions and cover up speed detection resolution.
  • In terms of cellular applications, the bandwidth of various communication bands is narrowed down a bit when compared to other radar systems.
  • During such instances, wideband RF power amplifiers are used in communication for different bands.

Selecting the right RF power amplifiers:

Apart from focusing on some standard aspects like footprint and cost, designers have to check into some other variations before selecting the right High power RF amplifier among the available lot.

  • The RF power amplifier needs to have a reasonably flat gain through the entire bandwidth.
  • GaAs devices are always best for the lower GHz frequencies. For higher frequencies, you have the GaN.
  • RF power amplifiers can always reach higher temperatures during operation. However, the output must not deviate by a few dB at higher temperatures.
  • The power output helps in determining the application’s useful range.
  • The bandwidth that comes with RF power amplifiers will define the usable frequency range. For general power amplification, the RF power amplifiers should serve from DC up to higher RF frequencies. On the other hand, for chirped radar and the cellular applicable areas, a broader bandwidth is the best shot.
  • 3rd Order Intercept Point helps in determining the usable range of the input powers within RF power amplifiers. Here, the output power is said to be linear in the presence of intermodulation items. If there is a higher value, it indicates the larger range of the input power values to be used before third-order products are output at the same intensity but under desired frequencies.

Focusing on analog devices:

Before proceeding further with the RF amplifier frequency range, understanding analog devices is a great shot. The HMC8142 RF power amplifier is perfect for driving emitters straight from 81 to 86 GHz. That puts it way closer to the 5G range and UAV radar applications.

  • Then you have the HMC7543, which is better suitable for automotive radar. This one is also available in a “pin bare die tray” at a lower cost.
  • With a nominal power output of 26 dBm and OIP3 at 29 dBm, these chosen amplifiers are used for driving chirped radar emitters within long-range and broad chirp bandwidth.
  • The gaining response of 8142 is reasonably flat through the entire bandwidth. The other module at HMC7543 has the same response.

Now for the Qorvo:

The QPA1027 wideband version of the High Power RF Amplifier from Qorvo is one better choice for the present systems for satellite communications or the S-band radar. Here, the power output reaches 48 dBm at saturation.

  • This form of the amplifier can offer longer-range transmission within these applications.
  • Here, the 26 dBm needs input power at the saturation point and will need an upstream amplifier stage or a higher power output synthesizer for reaching the highest output powers.
  • The current bandwidth of 0.7 GHz will offer decent range detection resolution within the S-band radar applications when compared to the 24 GHz automotive version of the radar modules.
  • One major point to note down is associated with the input power stability and temperature. Nearly across the whole bandwidth, this amplifier is said to have stable output results.

There are various other products available from Qorvo, which will offer higher power output in some other portions of the current LTE spectrum and within higher frequencies. The main goal is to offer solutions for upcoming application areas both as discrete components and integrated modules.

For the low-cost operation:

For the low-cost option, you have the MAAP 011250 Linear RF Power Amplifier available in reels of 500 units. These devices are suitable for 5G devices and VSAT applications from 27.5 to 30 GHz. This current bandwidth is also stated to be narrower when compared to other items as it is specialized towards 5G, VAST, and some of the related areas.

To learn more about the RF power amplifiers and the detailed frequencies, it is recommended to come and visit Elite RF once online.