High-Volume Applications Targeted by Ka-band GaN Power Amplifier

The CMX90A705 is a cutting-edge two-stage GaN linear power amplifier that boasts a saturated power output of +37.4 dBm (5.5 W) and covers a frequency range from 27.5 to 31 GHz. With a small signal gain of 16.5 dB, this amplifier is versatile and can serve as both a driver and the final stage of power amplification in satellite communication terminals.

Designed for seamless integration, the power amplifier features RF input and output ports that are nominally matched to 50 Ω, along with integrated DC blocking capacitors. Additionally, drain and gate feed decoupling capacitors suitable for QPSK type modulation are incorporated into the evaluation board, enhancing its functionality.

The active device within the CMX90A705 is crafted using a state-of-the-art 0.15 µm gate length GaN-on-silicon carbide (SiC) process. Housed in a compact 4- x 4-mm thermally enhanced air-cavity Quad Flat No-Lead (QFN) package, this amplifier offers both performance and efficiency in a small form factor.

Arwyn Roberts, RF Product Manager at CML Micro, highlights the advantages of the CMX90A705, stating, “The GaN die has been optimized for size, making it one of the smallest devices in the market with two stages of gain. This cost-effective solution can serve as a low-cost building block that allows for cascading to increase transmit line-up gain or parallel combining for higher output powers.”

Roberts further emphasizes the customer-centric design of the CMX90A705, noting, “It’s a commercial-grade part that is fully tested with 50 Ω ports, ensuring minimal design effort for the customer and enabling a fast time to market for communication terminal applications.”

Targeted primarily at applications such as commercial high-volume Ka-band satcom terminals, block up-converters (BUC), VSAT, and SSPAs, the CMX90A705 power amplifier is set to be available through global distribution partners like DigiKey, Mouser, and RFMW. This commercial-off-the-shelf product opens up new possibilities in the satcom market.

Looking ahead, Arwyn Roberts envisions the potential for even greater power outputs, stating, “The launch of the CMX90A705 power amplifier marks a significant entry into the satcom mmWave market with a high-power gallium nitride-based device. While currently at 5.5 W in the Ka-band, customers have the option to scale up to 10 W or 20 W by leveraging multiple devices on a single board.”

For more information on the CMX90A705 and other innovative products, visit www.cmlmicro.com.