Qorvo Ku-, K- & Ka-Band GaN PA Selection Guide
Qorvo Ku-, K- and Ka-Band GaN Power Amplifier Selection Guide
Qorvo offers GaN-on-SiC power amplifiers for Ku-, K- and Ka-band satellite communication, radar and high-frequency transmitter systems. Models such as QPA0015, QPA1722, QPA1724, QPA2211 and QPA2212 cover frequencies from 13.75GHz to 31GHz, with saturated output-power classes from approximately 8W to 20W.
Selecting the correct amplifier requires more than matching the frequency band. Engineers must distinguish between linear output power and saturated output power, while also checking gain, power-added efficiency, bias voltage, package construction and thermal requirements.
Browse more Qorvo RF and microwave products or use the comparison below to identify the most suitable GaN power amplifier.
Qorvo Ku-, K- and Ka-Band GaN PA Comparison
| Model | Band | Frequency | Linear Output | Saturated Output | Small-Signal Gain | PAE | Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QPA0015 | Ku | 13.75–14.5GHz | Approximately 3W | Up to 8W | 35dB | 32% | 7.5 × 5.0 × 2.45mm laminate |
| QPA1722 | K | 17.7–20.2GHz | Approximately 5W | Up to 10W | 26dB | 35% | 6.0 × 5.0 × 1.64mm SMT |
| QPA1724 | K | 17.3–21.2GHz | Approximately 5W | Up to 20W | 25dB | 30% | 7.5 × 6.0 × 1.6mm QFN |
| QPA2211 | Ka | 27.5–31GHz | Approximately 5W | More than 10W | 24dB | 26% | 15.2 × 15.2 × 3.5mm bolt-down |
| QPA2212 | Ka | 27.5–31GHz | Approximately 10W | Approximately 20W | 22dB typical | 22% | 15.2 × 15.2 × 3.5mm bolt-down |
Important: the headline wattage normally identifies saturated output capability. It should not automatically be treated as the usable linear output power for modulated SATCOM signals. Confirm the required output back-off, linearity and test conditions in the latest Qorvo datasheet.
Ku-Band: QPA0015 for 13.75–14.5GHz SATCOM
The QPA0015 is a packaged Ku-band GaN MMIC power amplifier optimized for the 13.75–14.5GHz SATCOM band. Qorvo specifies approximately 3W of linear output power, up to 8W output under high-power operating conditions, 35dB small-signal gain and 32% power-added efficiency.
Its high gain can reduce the drive requirement from the preceding stage. The nominal operating band can also be extended beyond 13.75–14.5GHz under appropriate design conditions, but performance across an extended band must be checked against the datasheet and application requirements.
Choose QPA0015 when:
The required transmit band is centered on 13.75–14.5GHz.
Approximately 3W of linear Ku-band output is sufficient.
High gain and a compact packaged solution are priorities.
The application is a SATCOM terminal, radar transmitter or microwave data link.
K-Band: QPA1722 vs QPA1724
QPA1722 and QPA1724 are packaged K-band GaN MMIC amplifiers. Both provide approximately 5W of linear output, an integrated power detector and internally matched 50Ω RF ports, but they differ in frequency coverage and saturated output capability.
QPA1722: Higher Efficiency in the 10W Class
The QPA1722 operates from 17.7–20.2GHz. It provides approximately 5W linear output, up to 10W saturated output, 26dB small-signal gain and 35% PAE.
QPA1722 is the stronger choice when the required band fits within 17.7–20.2GHz and efficiency is more important than maximum saturated output power. Its 6.0 × 5.0mm package also supports compact transmitter layouts.
QPA1724: Wider Bandwidth and 20W Saturated Output
The QPA1724 expands coverage to 17.3–21.2GHz and can produce up to 20W saturated output. Its specified linear output remains approximately 5W under the stated intermodulation test conditions.
Choose QPA1724 when wider K-band coverage, additional saturated-power margin or a higher-power radar operating mode is required. Do not select it over QPA1722 solely because of the 20W headline rating when the system is limited by linear output requirements.
QPA1722 vs QPA1724 Quick Choice
Choose QPA1722: 17.7–20.2GHz, 10W saturated class, higher 35% PAE and smaller package.
Choose QPA1724: 17.3–21.2GHz, wider bandwidth and up to 20W saturated output.
For linear SATCOM operation: both are approximately 5W-class devices under their stated linearity conditions.
Ka-Band: QPA2211 vs QPA2212
QPA2211 and QPA2212 cover 27.5–31GHz for Ka-band satellite communications and 5G infrastructure. Both use bolt-down packages with copper thermal paths, integrated DC-blocking capacitors and internally matched 50Ω RF ports.
QPA2211: 5W Linear / 10W Saturated Class
The QPA2211 provides approximately 5W linear output with less than −25dBc intermodulation distortion under Qorvo’s specified conditions. Saturated output is greater than 10W, with 24dB small-signal gain and approximately 26% PAE.
It is suitable for lower-power Ka-band transmitters where power consumption and thermal load must be controlled.
QPA2212: 10W Linear / 20W Saturated Class
The QPA2212 increases the output capability to approximately 10W linear and 20W saturated. It is suitable for higher-power Ka-band SATCOM uplinks, ground terminals, 5G millimeter-wave infrastructure and other transmitters requiring more RF output from a single amplifier.
Its higher output capability also increases DC power and heat-dissipation requirements. The system must provide a suitable heat spreader, mounting pressure and bias sequence.
QPA2211 vs QPA2212 Quick Choice
Choose QPA2211: approximately 5W linear output, lower DC power and a 10W saturated class.
Choose QPA2212: approximately 10W linear output and 20W saturated output for higher-power Ka-band transmitters.
Both models: 27.5–31GHz coverage and bolt-down packages requiring careful thermal integration.
How to Select the Right Qorvo GaN Power Amplifier
1. Match the Exact Operating Frequency
Start with the required transmit band rather than the general Ku-, K- or Ka-band label. A design at 14GHz points toward QPA0015, while 18–20GHz requirements point toward QPA1722 or QPA1724. Systems operating from 27.5–31GHz require QPA2211 or QPA2212.
2. Separate Linear Power from Saturated Power
For modulated SATCOM signals, linear output power and IMD performance are usually more important than Psat. Radar and pulsed applications may operate closer to compression, making saturated output capability more relevant. Compare specifications under equivalent bias, input-power, temperature and linearity conditions.
3. Check Gain and Driver Requirements
Higher small-signal gain reduces the drive power required from the previous stage. QPA0015 offers approximately 35dB gain, while the K- and Ka-band models generally provide lower gain. Calculate the complete transmit-chain gain budget before selecting the driver amplifier.
4. Evaluate Efficiency and Thermal Design
PAE directly affects DC input power and heat generation. Compact surface-mount devices require a PCB layout with an effective thermal path, while the QPA2211 and QPA2212 bolt-down packages require proper chassis or heat-spreader mounting. Thermal design should be completed using the datasheet limits and the actual waveform duty cycle.
5. Confirm Bias and Power Sequencing
These GaN amplifiers use drain voltages in the approximately 20–24V range, depending on the model. The gate voltage, quiescent current, turn-on sequence and protection circuitry must match the exact datasheet. An incorrect gate/drain sequence can damage the amplifier.
Recommended Model by Requirement
| Requirement | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| 13.75–14.5GHz Ku-band SATCOM with high gain | QPA0015 |
| Compact, efficient 17.7–20.2GHz K-band PA | QPA1722 |
| Wider 17.3–21.2GHz coverage and higher saturated output | QPA1724 |
| Approximately 5W linear Ka-band output | QPA2211 |
| Approximately 10W linear Ka-band output | QPA2212 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 20W Qorvo GaN amplifier always capable of 20W linear output?
No. A 20W rating often refers to saturated output power. For example, QPA1724 can reach approximately 20W saturated output but is specified at approximately 5W linear output under the stated intermodulation conditions.
What is the main difference between QPA1722 and QPA1724?
QPA1722 covers 17.7–20.2GHz with up to 10W saturated output and higher PAE. QPA1724 covers the wider 17.3–21.2GHz range and increases saturated output capability to approximately 20W.
What is the difference between QPA2211 and QPA2212?
Both cover 27.5–31GHz. QPA2211 is approximately a 5W-linear/10W-saturated device, while QPA2212 increases the capability to approximately 10W linear and 20W saturated.
Which Qorvo amplifier should be used for X-band radar?
The models in this guide start at Ku-band. For X-band devices such as QPA2610, QPA2611, QPA2612 and QPA1111, see the Qorvo X-Band GaN Power Amplifier Selection Guide.
Qorvo GaN Power Amplifier RFQ
DataStorageIC supplies Qorvo RF and microwave components for SATCOM, radar, aerospace, defense and 5G infrastructure applications.
For pricing, availability, lead time or part-number selection, submit an RFQ with the required frequency range, linear output power, waveform or modulation type, gain, package, quantity and target delivery date.
