The new Ku-band satellite communications offer superior performance

     Qorvo has released three new MMIC power amplifiers designed specifically for Ku-band satellite communications terminals. These products are the latest in a series of devices being developed to improve the performance and efficiency of satellite uplink systems, supporting the growing demand for high-speed data communications in defense and aerospace applications. The amplifier family's output power ranges from 8W to 55W, with the flexibility to choose the best power required for each specific requirement.

     The QPA1314 is a high power MMIC amplifier operating at 13.75GHz to 14.5GHz. The saturated output power is 55W, the linear output power is 20W, and the third-order intermodulation distortion product is 25dBc. It is packaged in a 15mm x 15mm bolted configuration with a copper base for superior thermal performance and reliability. With a large signal gain of 22.5dB and a power add-on efficiency of 30 percent, it is ideal for commercial and defense satellite communications and radar applications.

     The QPA0016 is designed for applications that require 15W output power. The amplifier combines high efficiency with a compact 7.5mm x 5mm SMT package, making it ideal for a variety of satellite terminal designs.

     Available in a 7mm x 4.5mm SMT package, the QPA0015 amplifier delivers 8W of power for high throughput ground and mobile terminals, balancing power, size and efficiency.

     Doug Bostrom, General Manager of Qorvo's Defense and Aerospace business, said: "Qorvo is excited to launch our latest product, which opens up new possibilities for datalinks, radar and satellite communications. With more than two decades of experience delivering SATCOM solutions, we work closely with the design engineers who drive SATCOM's progress. Based on their valuable input, our new amp family represents the next logical step in advancing these designs."

     All three amplifiers have a wide frequency range, mainly operating in the 13.75GHz to 14.5GHz band, with frequency coverage extending from 12.75GHz to 15.35GHz, and coverage from the low ku band to the CDL band. This wide frequency range ensures universal and flexible operation, allowing seamless communication between various satellite and ground-based systems.

     These high-efficiency amplifiers provide power increase efficiency of up to 12%, improving overall performance and reducing power consumption of SATCOM systems. A variety of compact package sizes, including bolting and surface mount options, make it easy to integrate into existing and new terminal designs, supporting both traditional and innovative ground-based terminal applications.

     The copper base of the QPA1314 and the compact design of the QPA0016 and QPA0015 provide excellent thermal performance, ensuring reliability and service life in demanding environments.