News Article
RFHIC Introduces Wide Range 8W, TETRA GaN Hybrid Amplifier
The 100~960 MHz GaN amplifier has an efficiency of between 50 and 70%. RFHIC says high production yields are guaranteed within the SMD type package.
A new class-C GaN (Gallium Nitride) hybrid amplifier using GaN-on-SiC (Gallium Nitride on Silicon carbide substrate) devices has recently been released by RFHIC. The amplifier gives VHF at 8 W in the 130~450 MHz range, an efficiency of 60%, and UHF at 6 W in the 450~960 MHz range, an efficiency of 50%.
Input and output matching circuits are included in the design with bias circuits and other matching circuits. Physical size of the amplifier is 15 mm x 10 mm x 5.4 mm and is an SMD (surface mount device) type hybrid GaN amplifier. Input voltage is 24 V~34 V and uses ceramic substrate over copper heat slug.
Existing TETRA (TErrestrial Trunked RAdio, formerly known as Trans European Trunked Radio) amplifiers use LDMOS (Laterally Diffused Metal Oxide Semiconductor) technology and operate on a 5 V~12 V supply voltage.
Also previous designs separated three to four bands of 130~220 MHz, 380~400 MHz, 410~470 MHz, 560~580 MHz, and 870~933 MHz and combining losses were inevitable. Recent developments in the TETRA technology will enable the use of the full 100~960 MHz frequency range with an efficiency of 50~70%. High production yields are guaranteed with a SMD type package and all amplifiers are 100% tested and aged for immediate installation.
These more efficient amplifiers can reduce the number of the base station installations in the field for a greener environment.
RFHIC has been using Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology since 2004. With extensive research and design experience, RFHIC accumulated technological breakthroughs in major areas such as internal matching, heat dissipation, Doherty designs, module optimization, MMIC design and package assembly. These experiences contributed to designing a better performance GaN power amplifier with lower cost for the telecommunication market. RFHIC is now working on 100 W and 500 W TETRA hybrid amplifiers. 20 W and 40 W amplifiers are already in production.
