Qorvo and NanoSemi demonstrate ultra-wideband linearization for massive MIMO applications

     Qorvo, a leading provider of RF solutions for mobile applications, infrastructure and aerospace, defense and other applications, and NanoSemi, a leading developer of digital linearization and compensation algorithms, announced that they demonstrated an industry-leading ultra-wirelessly linearized solution and a gallium nitride (GaN) power amplifier for wireless infrastructure.

     Qorvo's QPA2705 is an integrated GaN driver and GaN Doherty power amplifier with 30dB gain, 44dBm P3dB, 35% PAE and an average output power of 37dBm in a 6x10mm compact surface mount package for next generation massive MIMO applications. The use of the QPA2705 integrated GaN driver and GaN Doherty power amplifier, combined with NanoSemi's patented digital compensation algorithm, has enabled the two companies to achieve brilliant results. (See table at end of article for details)

     Leading cellular operators are working to improve wireless spectrum efficiency and increase network capacity by more than 500% through the adoption of technologies such as Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), Active Antenna Systems (AAS) and LTE-Pro. By combining Qorvo's ultra-compact advanced power amplifier (PA) modules with NanoSemi's digital pre-tuned distortion (DPD) intellectual property, operators can implement high-efficiency, small massive MIMO transceivers for next-generation base stations.

     Sumit Tomar, General Manager of Qorvo's Wireless Infrastructure Business unit, said: "Active antenna systems with 64 transceivers present a huge challenge in designing power amplifiers, which need to meet the small size, high efficiency and linearity requirements required for multi-carrier configurations. By combining Qorvo's ultra-compact advanced PA modules with NanoSemi's DPD IP, customers are able to implement high-efficiency, small massive MIMO transceivers suitable for the next generation of base stations."

     Helen Kim, CEO of NanoSemi, said: "We are very excited to work with Qorvo and demonstrate the outstanding results of our digital compensation technology. With NanoSemi's unique Digital Preset Distortion (DPD) and CFR technologies, customers are able to adjust their products to achieve optimal performance, resource requirements, power and target bandwidth."

     NanoSemi and Qorvo also demonstrated linearization of the QPA2705 cascade Doherty driver amplifier and the QPD2730 dual-channel GaN Doherty PA final stage (-58dBc performance at 60 MHz LTE signal conditions). Performance is -55 dBc at 100MHz LTE signal).