Qorvo helps simplify GaN PA biasing

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Qorvo helps simplify GaN PA biasing [Copy link]

Qorvo recently announced the launch of the ACT41000-104-REF1, a GaN power amplifier (PA) bias reference design that enhances the design and testing of Qorvo GaN PAs.

GaN devices are depletion-mode FETs that require a negative gate voltage to operate. In systems using GaN PAs, biasing needs to be done in a specific order: before increasing the drain bias voltage, a negative gate voltage must be applied to protect the device from damage.

Qorvo's ACT41000-104-REF1 has built-in configurability to implement multiple GaN PA biases and automatically calibrate the system. It integrates a power MOSFET and a current digital-to-analog converter, allowing the device to accurately detect the PA quiescent drain current. This design uses power management to simplify the GaN bias process.

The ACT41000 operates from an input voltage of 4.5 to 40 V and generates a stable, adjustable output voltage up to 24 V with a 12.5 mV step at 4 A. The ACT41000 comes with an evaluation platform and GUI that helps customers adjust output drain voltage, quiescent and maximum drain current, PA device current, as well as voltage protection, switching frequency, and other features to optimize GaN PA performance.

After the user turns on the system power, this process will be automatically executed for automatic debugging to prevent failures due to aging or severe temperature fluctuations, thereby reducing the difficulty of testing and improving the level of automation. The ACT41000 has built-in configurability to provide bias for a variety of Qorvo GaN PAs in different markets (including satellite communications, 5G, radar, etc.).

"Qorvo is committed to simplifying the design and testing of real-world solutions for our customers and suppliers," said David Briggs, senior director of Qorvo Programmable Power Management products. "This new product is part of our broader portfolio expansion, integrating our power and GaN portfolios."

Qorvo is a market leader in application integration products such as the ACT41000. Watch the video tutorial to learn how the ACT41000 is designed to integrate with Qorvo's industry-leading GaN products.