Feature Articles

1. Amplifier Classification A vs. AB 1/28/2020

   Amplifiers are designed in many ways. One distinction is how the amplification devices are biased. They can be biased in different ways that affect performance and efficiency. This is called the Class of operation. Class A, B, or AB are commonly used and referred to in specifications for high power RF & Microwave amplifiers. This paper discusses the differences between the different classifications and what it means with respect to performance.

2. Next Generation Wi-Fi: 6 GHz Is On The Horizon 1/28/2020

   An understanding of Wi-Fi 6 certification, as well as regulation of the 6 GHz band, is critical for companies seeking to capitalize on next-gen Wi-Fi.

3. Providing Narrowband IoT Coverage With Low Earth Orbit Satellites 1/21/2020

   This article describes the modeling of a SATCOM link, specifically the use case of using a satellite overlay to extend service continuity to IoT devices in a poorly covered rural area.

4. Automotive Radio Frequencies Poster 1/15/2020

   Mobile communications, Wi-Fi, V2X, C-V2X, navigation, radar, broadcast and EV charging are just some of the applications occupying automotive radio frequencies. Being able to manage coexistence and interference of various radio frequencies has become a major challenge for research, development, and testing. Download this poster to get an overview of the radio frequency bands and regulations in today's and tomorrow's cars.

5. Improve Doherty Amplifier In Efficiency And Output Power 1/15/2020

   The Doherty Amplifier is used in an increasing number of radio transmitter applications to improve energy efficiency. There are numerous ways to build the Doherty PA. This article begins with an overview of linearization and efficiency enhancement in Doherty amplifiers, highlights the associated challenges, and covers some of the numerous solutions for design.

6. The Benefits Of A Tunable RF Filter 1/6/2020

   Filters are a staple of RF designers everywhere, and especially in applications where the integrity of the signal cannot be compromised. When you’re only concerned about a single frequency, it’s relatively easy to add in a fixed-tuned filter. However, it becomes slightly more difficult when you need to cover multiple frequencies and can’t just utilize a roofing filter. To avoid having to use a bunch of individual filters, basically creating a complex switched filter bank module, a tunable filter may be the solution.

7. Antenna Considerations For Wi-Fi 6 12/30/2019

   The Wi-Fi Alliance has introduced the newest generation of Wi-Fi technology — Wi-Fi 6. This application note discusses Wi-Fi 6, how it will reduce power consumption, and how antennas and antenna systems must perform to function successfully in a Wi-Fi 6 world.

8. Blueprint For 3 GHz, 25 Gbps DOCSIS 12/23/2019

   Qorvo discusses the design layouts for a 3GHz, 25 Gbps DOCSIS with 1.8 GHz ESD as a steppingstone. Considerations on power consumption, coexistence with FDX, spectrum plans and interference from MoCA, LTE and Wi-Fi are discussed.

9. Spectral Regrowth: Stay In Your Lane 12/13/2019

   For digitally modulated signals transmitted via power amplifiers, which are inherently non-linear, how far “our car” has crossed into the neighboring lane is defined as spectral regrowth. This article further discusses spectral regrowth and how NuWaves' amplifiers are designed for high performance spectral regrowth in automotive applications.

10. A Classic LNA Design Challenge: Meeting The Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) LNA Specification 12/12/2019

    This article will focus on one high-volume (primarily automotive) application that goes against this trend and this is the multi-stage LNA associated with the SDARS radio capability that is included with millions of new cars every year. It requires a cascade of multiple high-performance amplifiers and filters to meet a very difficult set of requirements.