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RF Power Amplifiers for Frequency Modulated Signals

Created: October 18, 2019
Updated: October 10, 2024

II 21 wide

Wideband RF power amplifiers are critical components in communication, satellite, and radar systems which use frequency modulation. One important metric that characterizes the usefulness of an RF amplifier is its bandwidth and power output. The bandwidth and power output from these components will determine whether they can be used in chirped radar, cellular, or satellite applications. Compared to other RF applications, like precision scientific measurements which require much lower bandwidth, systems for these up-and-coming application areas will make greater use of RF power amplifiers than ever before.

RF Power Amplifier Applications

According to research from the firm MarketWatch, by 2023, the overall market for RF power amplifiers is expected to surpass $27 billion. RF power amplifiers are expected to be used in a variety of applications, ranging from radar systems for cars and drones, to mobile devices that need to emit in a variety of frequency bands.

While you could certainly purchase an integrated RF transceiver module that is designed to operate in a specific frequency band for a specific application, designers who want to innovate for new RF applications will need to purchase separate components and develop their own systems. RF power amplifiers are just one of many different components that will be needed to construct these systems for various applications.

In the realm of chirped FMCW radar systems and 5G, designers need wideband RF power amplifiers with broad linear range. A broader bandwidth provides higher target position and speed detection resolution. In cellular applications, the bandwidth of different communication bands is quite narrow compared to radar systems, and wideband RF power amplifiers will need to be used for communication in a variety of bands.

Choosing an RF Power Amplifier

In addition to the standard aspects like cost and footprint, designers should consider some of the following aspects when choosing an RF power amplifier:

  • 3rd order intercept point (OIP3). This determines the usable range of input powers in an RF amplifier over which the output power will be linear in the presence of intermodulation products. A higher value indicates a larger range of input power values can be used before the third-order products are output at the same intensity as the desired frequencies.
  • Bandwidth. The bandwidth of an RF amplifier defines the usable frequency range. For chirped radar and cellular applications, a broader bandwidth is the better option. For general power amplification, your power amplifier should operate from DC up to high RF frequencies (microwave and mmWave).
  • Power output. This effectively determines the useful range for your application.
  • Temperature stability. RF amplifiers can reach high temperature during operation, and the output should not deviate by more than a few dB at high temperature.
  • Semiconductor process. GaAs devices are best at lower GHz frequencies (i.e., 10-30 GHz), while GaN is the best choice at higher frequencies.
  • Gain spectrum. Your RF power amplifier should have reasonably flat gain throughout the bandwidth.

Analog Devices, HMC8142 and HMC7543

The HMC8142 RF power amplifier is ideal for driving emitters from 81 to 86 GHz. This puts it closer to 5G and UAV radar applications, while the HMC7543 is better for automotive radar. Note that the HMC7543 is also available as a pin bare die tray for much lower cost. With nominal power output at ~26 dBm (1 dB compression point) and OIP3 at ~29 dBm, these wideband amplifiers can be used to drive chirped radar emitters with reasonably long range and broad chirp bandwidth. The gain response of the HMC8142 is also reasonably flat throughout the bandwidth; the HMC7453 has similar response.

Gain provided by the HMC8142 wideband RF amplifierGain response of the HMC8142 wideband RF amplifier, from the datasheet.

Qorvo, QPA1027

The QPA1027 wideband RF amplifier from Qorvo is a better choice for upcoming systems for S-band radar or satellite communications (2.8 to 3.5 GHz). With power output reaching 48 dBm at saturation, this amplifier can provide long range transmission in these applications. Note that the 26 dBm required input power at this saturation power may require an upstream amplifier stage or a high power output frequency synthesizer to reach such high output powers.

The bandwidth of 0.7 GHz provides decent range detection resolution in S-band radar applications that is comparable to 24 GHz automotive radar modules. One important point to note is the temperature and input power stability (see below). This amplifier has extremely stable output across nearly the entire bandwidth.

Temperature stability of the QPA1027 RF power amplifierTemperature stability of the QPA1027 wideband RF power amplifier, found in the datasheet from Qorvo

We should note that Qorvo offers a number of other products that are designed for high power output in other portions of the existing LTE spectrum and at higher frequencies (10’s of GHz). They are dedicated to providing solutions for these upcoming application areas, both as integrated modules and discrete components.

MACOM, MAAP-011250

The MAAP-011250 RF power amplifier is an excellent low-cost option for a variety of applications and is available in reels of 500 units (part number MAAP-011250-TR0500). These devices are ideal for 5G devices and VSAT applications from 27.5 to 30 GHz. The bandwidth is narrower than other products as this product is more specialized to 5G, VAST, and related areas. This product offers 4 W power output with 20% efficiency at 6 V bias, making it useful in mobile handsets.

MAAP-011250 application schematicApplication schematic for the MAAP-011250 power amplifier, from the MAAP-011250 datasheet

With all the important RF applications soon to come online, systems designers need access to a broad range of RF power amplifiers for their new products. If you’re looking for the right RF power amplifier for your next system, try using our Part Selector guide to determine the best option for your next product.

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