The GFR5317 linear power amplifier boosts signals in 5G repeaters, antenna systems, and automotive “shark fins.”
At the 2022 International Microwave Symposium (IMS), Guerilla RF announced the GRF5317, the first of a series of new 0.1 W linear power amplifiers (PAs). The amplifiers find use in 5G femtocells, repeaters, distributed antenna systems (DAS), and automotive compensators (“shark fins”).
Covering frequencies from 1.5 GHz to 2 GHz, the GRF5317 cover the n1, n2, n3, n25, n34, n39, n65, n66, n70, n80, n84, and n86 5G new radio (NR) bands. The PA features adjacent-channel leakage ratio (ACLR) levels lower than -45 dBc and IMD3 levels less than -25dBm. The PA doesn’t require the aid of supplemental linearization schemes such as digital pre-distortion (DPD). That’s important because consumer devices are extremely sensitive to cost, power, and size constraints. These constraints prohibit DPD or other linearization techniques. Such low-cost products must rely on the power amplifier’s native linearity to meet the stringent 3GPP emissions mask requirements.
The block diagram, photographed at IMS, shows the linear power amplifiers in light blue. Guerilla RF also offers ¼-W and ½-W PAs as well. Other new products shown at IMS include the GRF53xx series drives (black in the photo) and the GRF6402, an SPI-controlled, bi-directional, 31.75 dB range digital step attenuator.