Plextek RFI has uploaded a new video tutorial in which CEO Liam Devlin describes the design of a 4-channel 28-GHz power amplifier with in-built phase control for applications in future 5G transmitters. Keysight’s ADS simulator is used to develop the design.

5G communications will require a step change in data rates and will be facilitated by a move to higher transmission frequencies where wider bandwidths are more readily available, with new innovative components being required. The 4-channel power amplifier (PA) IC design offers a compact means of providing beam steering as an integral part of the PA. Each channel of the IC includes a PA with an output power capability of +30 dBm at 1-dB compression and an IP3 of +38 dBm, and it includes an integral 4-bit, digitally controlled phase shifter having an rms phase error of 2.3°.

You can view the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VFomKmpetjo

A white paper summarizing the performance of the IC is also available for free download here.

Plextek RFI is exhibiting at next week’s International Microwave Symposium in Phoenix.