07-12-2021 | Microchip Technology | Power
Microchip Technology significantly expanded its GaN RF power device portfolio with new MMICs and discrete transistors covering frequencies up to 20GHz. The devices combine high PAE and high linearity to produce new performance levels in applications ranging from 5G to electronic warfare, satellite communications, commercial and defence radar systems and test equipment.
Like all of its GaN RF power products, the devices are fabricated employing GaN-on-silicon carbide technology that provides the best combination of high-power density and yield and high-voltage operation and longevity of more than one million hours at a 255C junction temperature.
They comprise GaN MMICs covering 2GHz to 18GHz, 12GHz to 20GHz, and 12GHz to 20GHz with 3dB Compression Point (P3dB) RF output power up to 20W and efficiency up to 25%, and bare die and packaged GaN MMIC amplifiers for S- and X-band with up to 60% PAE, and discrete HEMT devices covering DC to 14GHz with P3dB RF output power up to 100W and maximum efficiency of 70%.
“Microchip continues to invest in our family of GaN RF products to support every application at all frequencies from microwave through millimetre wavelengths, and our product portfolio includes more than 50 devices, from low-power levels to 2.2kW,” said Leon Gross, vice president of Microchip’s discrete products business unit. “Together, the products announced today span 2GHz to 20GHz and are designed to meet the linearity and efficiency challenges posed by the higher-order modulation techniques employed in 5G and other wireless networks, as well as the unique needs of satellite communications and defence applications.”
The portfolio of RF semiconductors and GaN devices ranges from GaAs RF amplifiers and modules to low-noise amplifiers, RFFEs, varactor, Schottky, and PIN diodes, RF switches and voltage variable attenuators.
In addition, the company provides high-performance SAW sensors and MEMS oscillators and highly integrated modules that combine MCUs with RF transceivers (Wi-Fi MCUs) that support major short-range wireless communications protocols from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to LoRa.
