Qorvo X-Band GaN Power Amplifier Selection Guide
Qorvo X-Band GaN Power Amplifier Selection Guide
Qorvo offers several X-Band GaN power amplifiers for radar, phased-array, SATCOM and microwave transmitter applications. Key models such as QPA2610, QPA2611, QPA2612 and QPA1111 cover output power levels from approximately 2W to 30W.
For engineers, the main selection factors are frequency range, output power, gain, efficiency and package size.
View more Qorvo RF & Microwave products.
Qorvo X-Band GaN Power Amplifier Comparison
| Model | Frequency Range | Output Power | Gain | PAE | Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QPA2610 | 8.5–10.5GHz | >2W | 23dB | >47% | 5 × 5mm QFN |
| QPA2611 | 8–12GHz | >5W | 26dB | ~42% | 5 × 5mm QFN |
| QPA2612 | 8–12GHz | >12W | 23dB | ~40% | 5 × 5mm QFN |
| QPA1111 | 8.5–10.5GHz | ~30W | ~27dB | ~45% | 6 × 6mm QFN |
Specifications may vary with operating conditions. Always confirm the latest Qorvo datasheet before design.
How to Choose a Qorvo X-Band GaN Power Amplifier
QPA2610 – For 2W-Class Applications
The Qorvo QPA2610 covers 8.5–10.5GHz and provides more than 2W saturated output power.
It is suitable for:
Phased-array radar
AESA transmit channels
X-Band communication systems
Driver or intermediate power stages
Choose QPA2610 when compact size and efficiency are more important than maximum output power.
QPA2611 – For 5W-Class Applications
QPA2611 covers a wider 8–12GHz frequency range and provides more than 5W output power.
It is a good choice for designs that need:
Wider X-Band coverage
Medium RF output power
Compact 5 × 5mm packaging
Typical applications include radar transmitters, phased arrays and microwave communication modules.
QPA2612 – For 10W+ Applications
The Qorvo QPA2612 operates from 8–12GHz and provides more than 12W saturated output power.
Key advantages include:
8–12GHz wideband operation
More than 12W output power
Approximately 23dB gain
Compact 5 × 5mm QFN package
QPA2612 is suitable for higher-power radar, phased-array and X-Band transmitter applications.
QPA1111 – For Approximately 30W Output
The Qorvo QPA1111 is designed for higher-power X-Band applications.
It operates from approximately 8.5–10.5GHz and provides around 30W RF output power.
Typical applications include:
High-power radar transmitters
AESA radar
Military radar
X-Band transmitter modules
Choose QPA1111 when significantly higher output power is required than QPA2610, QPA2611 or QPA2612.
Driver Amplifier Option
If the available RF drive level is not sufficient for the final GaN power amplifier, a driver amplifier may be required.
The Qorvo QPA0813 8–11GHz X-Band Driver Amplifier can be considered as a driver stage before higher-power amplifiers.
A typical transmitter chain may use:
RF Source → QPA0813 Driver → QPA2610 / QPA2611 / QPA2612
The final choice depends on available input power and required transmitter output.
Integrated X-Band T/R Front-End
For phased-array systems that require a more integrated solution, the Qorvo QPF5012 X-Band T/R Front-End Module is another option.
QPF5012 integrates several functions including:
Power amplifier
Low-noise amplifier
T/R switch
Limiter
It can reduce component count in compact phased-array front-end designs.
QPA2610 vs QPA2611 vs QPA2612
The main difference between these three devices is output power and operating bandwidth.
QPA2610:
8.5–10.5GHz, >2W, suitable for lower-power and high-efficiency designs.
QPA2611:
8–12GHz, >5W, suitable for medium-power wideband X-Band applications.
QPA2612:
8–12GHz, >12W, suitable for higher-power radar and transmitter applications.
All three use compact 5 × 5mm packages, making them suitable for phased-array and high-density RF designs.
Typical Applications
Qorvo X-Band GaN power amplifiers are commonly used in:
AESA and phased-array radar
Military radar
Surveillance radar
Satellite communications
X-Band microwave transmitters
RF test and measurement equipment
FAQ
Which Qorvo X-Band amplifier is suitable for more than 10W output?
QPA2612 provides more than 12W output across 8–12GHz. For applications requiring approximately 30W, QPA1111 can be considered.
What is the difference between QPA2610 and QPA2612?
QPA2610 provides approximately 2W-class output over 8.5–10.5GHz, while QPA2612 provides more than 12W and covers the wider 8–12GHz range.
Which Qorvo X-Band amplifier is suitable for phased-array radar?
QPA2610, QPA2611 and QPA2612 are all suitable for compact phased-array designs. The correct choice mainly depends on the required output power per transmit channel.
When should I use QPA0813?
QPA0813 is a driver amplifier rather than a high-power GaN final stage. It can be used when additional RF drive is needed before QPA2610, QPA2611 or QPA2612.
Request Qorvo X-Band GaN Amplifier Pricing
DataStorageIC supplies Qorvo RF and microwave components including QPA2610, QPA2611, QPA2612, QPA1111, QPA0813 and QPF5012.
For pricing, stock availability or lead time, please send us the required part number and quantity.
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