CML releases power amplifier for satellite comms

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

Designed for easy integration, the PA features RF input and output ports matched to 50 Ω and includes integrated DC blocking capacitors. The evaluation board also incorporates drain and gate feed decoupling capacitors suitable for QPSK modulation.

The active device is fabricated using a leading 0.15 µm gate length GaN-on-silicon carbide (SiC) process and is presented in a compact, 4x4mm thermally enhanced air-cavity Quad Flat No-Lead (QFN) package.

“The CMX90A705 represents a compact, flexible design that is well suited for high-volume communication terminals, providing access to global satellite networks,” said Arwyn Roberts, RF Product Manager at CML Micro. “The GaN die has been optimised for size and is believed to be smaller than currently available devices in the market, with two stages of gain – making it an extremely cost-effective solution. It acts as a low-cost building block which can be cascaded to increase the transmit line-up gain or combined in parallel for customers wanting higher output powers.

“It’s a commercial-grade part that is fully tested with 50 Ω ports to ensure minimal design effort for the customer and fast time to market."

The CMX90A705 is primarily targeted at applications such as commercial high-volume Ka-band satcom terminals, block up-converters (BUC), VSAT, and SSPAs. It is provided with a detailed data sheet, and CML Micro offers full support through its sales and applications teams. This commercial off-the-shelf product will be available through global distribution partners, including DigiKey, Mouser, and RFMW.

“The launch of the CMX90A705 represents an important step into the satcom mmWave market with a high-power gallium nitride-based device,” concluded Arwyn Roberts. “Presently, we are at 5.5 W at Ka-band, but customers might want to go up in power to 10 W or 20 W by combining multiple devices on a board. As a company, CML Micro is always looking forward and anticipating customer needs.”