RFIC start-up ICONIC RF has announced two MMIC power amplifiers (PA) with high back-off efficiency, targeting 5G mmWave and satellite applications.

The ICP2637 is a 5 W, single-ended, two-stage GaN MMIC PA covering 24 to 31 GHz, with >40 percent power-added efficiency (PAE) at peak power, biased at 20 V Vdd. The amplifier retains a high efficiency of >20 percent at 8 dB output back-off (OBO), making it very suitable for linear modulation. The ICP2637 is fabricated on a high volume 0.15 μm GaN on SiC process and has a die footprint of 2.8 mm x 1.75 mm.

The ICD2629 is a GaAs MMIC Doherty PA covering 24 to 27.5 GHz, delivering 28.5 dBm output power with >35 percent PAE at full output and 21 percent at 8 dB OBO. The MMIC PA operates with single positive supply of 4 V and is fabricated on a high-volume, low-cost, single supply GaAs process suitable for front-end module integration. The MMIC’s size is 1.7 mm x 1.65 mm.

ICONIC RF was formed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in December 2018, with plans to supply advanced, high efficiency microwave to mmWave power amplifier MMICs and integrated front-ends for the 5G, satellite, aerospace and defense markets. The company will offer MMIC and discrete GaN on SiC standard products, as well as engaging customers for unique designs.

The co-founders have a history working with major compound semiconductor foundries to develop high performance bare die and packaged MMICs, from design to volume production. ICONIC RF has a “state-of-the-art” measurement facility to support the mmWave design process and will supply tested and qualified products through a proven supply chain.