Qorvo QPA2212 27.5–31GHz 20W Ka-Band GaN Power Amplifier
Qorvo QPA2212 Ka-Band GaN Power Amplifier
The QPA2212 from Qorvo is a 27.5–31GHz Ka-band GaN power amplifier designed for satellite communications and 5G infrastructure. It delivers approximately 10W linear output power and more than 20W saturated output power.
The amplifier is fabricated using Qorvo’s 0.15µm QGaN15 GaN-on-SiC process and supplied in a bolt-down package with a pure copper base for efficient thermal transfer. Qorvo currently lists the QPA2212 as a production product.
QPA2212 Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Mfr. Part # | QPA2212 |
| Manufacturer | Qorvo |
| Product Type | Ka-Band GaN Power Amplifier |
| Frequency Range | 27.5–31GHz |
| Linear Output Power | Approximately 10W |
| Saturated Output Power | 43dBm / approximately 20W |
| Small-Signal Gain | 22dB |
| Power Gain | 18dB |
| Power-Added Efficiency | 22% |
| IMD3 | −28dBc at 36dBm output per tone |
| Drain Voltage | 22V |
| Quiescent Drain Current | 460mA |
| RF Impedance | 50Ω |
| Semiconductor Process | 0.15µm QGaN15 GaN-on-SiC |
| Package/Case | 10-lead laminate bolt-down package |
| Package Size | 15.2 × 15.2 × 3.5mm |
| Package Base | Pure copper |
Applications and Integration
The QPA2212 is suitable for:
Ka-band SATCOM uplink transmitters
Ground terminals and VSAT equipment
Commercial and defense satellite communications
5G millimeter-wave infrastructure
Massive MIMO transmitters
High-power Ka-band RF modules
Both RF ports are internally matched to 50Ω and include integrated DC-blocking capacitors. The bolt-down copper-base package is designed to transfer heat directly to a suitable heat spreader or chassis.
QPA2211, QPA2212 and QPA2212D Selection
| Model | Frequency | Output Capability | Form | Recommended Use |
| QPA2211 | 27.5–31GHz | 5W linear / over 10W saturated | Bolt-down package | Lower-power Ka-band transmitters |
| QPA2212 | 27.5–31GHz | 10W linear / over 20W saturated | Bolt-down package | Higher-power packaged systems |
| QPA2212D | 27.5–31GHz | Up to 25W saturated | Bare die | Custom microwave modules |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the QPA2212 a 20W linear amplifier?
No. The QPA2212 provides approximately 10W linear output power. Its 20W rating refers to saturated output-power operation under Qorvo’s specified test conditions.
When should QPA2212 be selected instead of QPA2211?
Select the QPA2212 when the transmitter requires approximately twice the linear and saturated output power. The QPA2211 is more suitable when lower power consumption and thermal load are priorities.
What is the difference between QPA2212 and QPA2212D?
The QPA2212 is supplied in a bolt-down package with a copper base. The QPA2212D is a bare MMIC die offering up to 25W saturated power for custom microwave-module assembly.
Does the QPA2212 require an external matching network?
The RF input and output are internally matched to 50Ω and include DC-blocking capacitors. External bias circuitry, supply decoupling and thermal management are still required.
Is a QPA2212 evaluation board available?
Yes. The QPA2212EVB is available for RF evaluation and prototype development.
