QPA1722 vs QPA1724 vs QPA1725: K-Band SATCOM Power Amplifiers

The Qorvo QPA1722, QPA1724 and QPA1725 are packaged GaN-on-SiC power amplifiers for K-band satellite communication, radar and microwave transmitter systems.

The QPA1722 prioritizes efficiency and compact size, while the QPA1724 and QPA1725 provide wider frequency coverage and up to 20W saturated output power. The main selection factors are linear power, gain, efficiency and thermal load.

QPA1722, QPA1724 and QPA1725 Comparison

Which K-Band Amplifier Should You Choose?

QPA1722: Compact and Efficient 10W Amplifier

The QPA1722 provides 5W linear output and up to 10W saturated output over 17.7–20.2GHz.

Its 35% PAE is the highest among the three devices, while its 224mA quiescent current and compact 6 × 5mm package help reduce power consumption and thermal load. It is suitable for space-constrained LEO satellite payloads and lower-power SATCOM transmitters.

QPA1724: Wider Bandwidth and 20W Output

The QPA1724 extends frequency coverage to 17.3–21.2GHz and increases saturated output power to 20W while retaining approximately 5W linear output.

It is a suitable choice when broader bandwidth and higher peak RF power are required, but 10W linear output is not necessary.

QPA1725: Highest Linear Power and Gain

The QPA1725 covers the same 17.3–21.2GHz range as the QPA1724 but provides approximately 10W linear output and 33dB small-signal gain.

It is intended for communication systems requiring higher linear transmitter power and additional gain. The trade-off is higher current consumption, lower published PAE and greater thermal demand.

Typical Applications

These amplifiers are suitable for:

LEO satellite communication payloads

K-band SATCOM transmitters

Commercial and military communications

High-throughput satellite terminals

Radar systems

Microwave datalinks

Multicarrier RF transmitters

Qorvo positions these devices for commercial and defense communications, SATCOM and radar applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which model is best for a power-constrained satellite payload?

The QPA1722 is generally the best fit because it has the highest published PAE, the lowest quiescent current and the smallest package of the three devices.

What is the main difference between QPA1724 and QPA1725?

Both cover 17.3–21.2GHz and provide up to 20W saturated output. The QPA1725 offers approximately 10W linear power and 33dB gain, while the QPA1724 provides approximately 5W linear power with higher published efficiency.

Which models provide the widest frequency coverage?

The QPA1724 and QPA1725 both cover 17.3–21.2GHz. The QPA1722 has a narrower 17.7–20.2GHz range.

Is QPA1725 more efficient than QPA1724?

No. Qorvo publishes approximately 25% PAE for the QPA1725 and 30% for the QPA1724. The QPA1725 instead prioritizes higher linear output power and gain.

Do all three amplifiers include a power detector?

Yes. Each model includes an integrated detector that can support output monitoring, calibration and system diagnostics.

Conclusion

Choose the QPA1722 when efficiency, size and lower thermal load are priorities. Select the QPA1724 for wider frequency coverage and 20W saturated output, or the QPA1725 when approximately 10W linear power and higher gain are required.

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