Powering-Up (And Down) GaN Power Amplifiers With Power Management Modules

It’s no secret that powering up and down GaN power amplifiers (PAs) in some designs can be challenging because GaN PAs demand specific bias sequencing. If it’s not done properly, there’s a risk of component damage. Managing the sequencing procedure is crucial. The good news: this task just got easier.

Customers using GaN PAs can use the Qorvo ACT41000 power management module to help efficiently power-up and power-down those devices. This can help achieve the performance customers are looking for and simplify the GaN bias procedure.

After setting up the PA using the GUI of the ACT41000, it automatically adjusts the power-up and power-down sequence of the GaN PA while optimizing the PA quiescent bias for optimal system performance (see Figure 1). This simplifies the RF PA system design, making it more cost-effective and easier to use. Because of the ability to autotune, the ACT41000 removes the need for external digital-to-analog converters (DAC) and current sense amplifiers. Therefore, your system is not only easier to design and smaller, but it lowers the overall bill of material costs by reducing the number of components.