Microchip Boosts Gallium Nitride (GaN) Radio Frequency (RF) Portfolio with Ka-band Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) with High Linearity for SatCom Terminals

Rhea-AI Summary

Microchip Technology Inc. has launched the new GMICP2731-10 GaN MMIC power amplifier, its first of its kind, designed for satellite communications and 5G networks. This device, fabricated with GaN-on-Silicon Carbide technology, delivers up to 10W of saturated RF output power with a 20% power-added efficiency across 27.5 to 31 GHz. It features 22 dB of small-signal gain and is optimized for commercial and defense applications. Microchip aims to enhance communication system capabilities while reducing weight and power consumption.

Positive

• Launch of GMICP2731-10 GaN MMIC power amplifier.
• Delivers up to 10W saturated RF output power and 20% power-added efficiency.
• Supports 5G networks and aerospace applications, enhancing market reach.

Negative

• None.

The GMICP2731-10 helps maintain signal fidelity by allowing Earth stations to transmit at high RF levels without sacrificing the quality of the signal

CHANDLER, Ariz., June 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Satellite communication systems use complex modulation schemes to achieve the blazingly fast data rates required to deliver video and broadband data. To attain this, they must deliver high RF output power while simultaneously ensuring the signals retain their desired characteristics. The new GMICP2731-10 GaN MMICGaN MMIC power amplifier announced today by Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: MCHP) helps meet both of these requirements.

The new device, Microchip’s first GaN MMIC, is designed for use in commercial and defense satellite communications, 5G networks and other aerospace and defense systems.

The GMICP2731-10 is fabricated using GaN-on-Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology. It delivers up to 10W of saturated RF output power across the 3.5 GHz of bandwidth between 27.5 to 31 GHz. Its power-added efficiency is 20%, with 22 dB of small-signal gain and 15 dB of return loss. A balanced architecture allows the GMICP2731-10 to be well matched to 50-ohms and includes integrated DC blocking capacitors at the output to simplify design integration.

“As communication systems employ complex modulation schemes such as 128-QAM and as the power of solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) trends ever upwards, RF power amplifier designers have the difficult challenge of finding higher power solutions while at the same time reducing weight and power consumption,” said Leon Gross, vice president of Microchip’s Discrete Products Group business unit. “GaN MMICs used in high power SSPAs can achieve greater than 30% lower power and weight as compared to their GaAs counterparts, which is a huge gain for satellite OEMS. This product delivers on the promise of GaN and enables the size, weight, power and cost OEMs are searching for.”

Microchip’s GMICP2731-10 complements the company’s existing portfolio of GaAs MMIC RF power amplifiers, switches, low-noise amplifiers, and Wi-Fi front-end modules, as well as a GaN-on-SiC High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) driver and final amplifier transistors for radar systems.

Development Tools

Microchip provides board design support to help with design-ins, as does the company’s distribution partners. The company also provides compact models for the GMICP2731-10, which allow customers to model the performance and expedite the design of the power amplifier in their systems more easily.

Availability
The GMICP2731-10 is available today in volume production. For additional information, contact a Microchip sales representative or visit Microchip’s website. To purchase the GMICP2731-10, visit our purchasing portal or contact a Microchip authorized distributor.

Resources
High-res images available through Flickr (feel free to publish):

• Application image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/51221720394/

About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve more than 120,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Editorial Contact:	Reader Inquiries:
Cathy Gedvilas	1-888-624-7435
(480) 792-4386
cathy.gedvilas@microchip.com

 

FAQ

What is the GMICP2731-10 power amplifier by MCHP?

The GMICP2731-10 is a GaN MMIC power amplifier designed for satellite communications and 5G networks, providing up to 10W of output power.

When was the GMICP2731-10 launched?

The GMICP2731-10 was announced on June 21, 2021.

What are the specifications of the GMICP2731-10 amplifier?

It delivers up to 10W of RF output power with a 20% power-added efficiency, supporting a bandwidth of 27.5 to 31 GHz.

What technology is used in the GMICP2731-10 amplifier?

The GMICP2731-10 is fabricated using GaN-on-Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology.