QPA0015 vs QPA0016 vs QPA1314: Ku-Band SATCOM Amplifier Selection

The Qorvo QPA0015, QPA0016 and QPA1314 are GaN-on-SiC power amplifiers designed for the 13.75–14.5GHz Ku-band SATCOM uplink band.

All three devices use Qorvo’s 0.15µm QGaN15 process and can extend their operating range to approximately 12.75–15.35GHz. The main differences are linear output power, maximum output power, package type and thermal requirements.

QPA0015, QPA0016 and QPA1314 Comparison

Which Ku-Band Amplifier Should You Choose?

QPA0015: Compact 3W Linear SATCOM Amplifier

The QPA0015 is the lowest-power option in this group. It provides approximately 3W linear output and up to 8W maximum output in a compact surface-mount laminate package.

It is suitable for:

Lower-power SATCOM uplinks

Portable or compact ground terminals

Ku-band radar and datalinks

Systems with limited cooling capacity

The QPA0015 also has the lowest published quiescent current, helping reduce power consumption and thermal load.

QPA0016: Balanced 5W Linear Output

The QPA0016 increases linear output power to approximately 5W and maximum output to 15W while retaining the same compact package size and 35dB gain.

It is the balanced choice for systems that require more RF power than the QPA0015 without moving to a large bolt-down amplifier.

Typical applications include:

Fixed and mobile SATCOM terminals

Medium-power Ku-band uplinks

Commercial and military communications

Radar transmitter stages

QPA1314: High-Power 20W Linear Amplifier

The QPA1314 provides approximately 20W linear output and up to 40W maximum output. It is intended for higher-power SATCOM, radar and datalink transmitters.

Unlike the two smaller devices, the QPA1314 uses a 15mm bolt-down package with a pure copper base. This package provides a stronger thermal path to the chassis or heat spreader but requires substantially more board area and mechanical integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which amplifier is best for a compact SATCOM terminal?

The QPA0015 is suitable for lower-power terminals, while the QPA0016 provides more output power in a similarly compact surface-mount package.

When should the QPA1314 be selected?

Choose the QPA1314 when the transmitter requires approximately 20W linear output or up to 40W maximum power and can support a larger bolt-down package and stronger cooling system.

Do all three models cover the same frequency band?

Yes. Their nominal operating range is 13.75–14.5GHz, with published extended operation from approximately 12.75 to 15.35GHz.

Are the QPA0015 and QPA0016 interchangeable?

They use similar package formats, but their bias current, RF input level and thermal requirements differ. The datasheet footprint and application circuit should be checked before substitution.

Which model provides the highest gain?

The QPA0015 and QPA0016 both provide approximately 35dB small-signal gain. The QPA1314 provides approximately 29dB.

Conclusion

Select the QPA0015 for compact, lower-power Ku-band systems, the QPA0016 for a balanced 5W linear SATCOM transmitter, and the QPA1314 when substantially higher linear and maximum output power are required.

DataStorageIC supplies Qorvo Ku-band GaN amplifiers for prototype and production requirements. Submit the part number, quantity, destination country and required delivery date to check current stock, price and lead time.