Qorvo launches first high-power BAW filter for migration to 5G

Qorvo Inc of Greensboro, NC, USA (which provides core technologies and RF solutions for mobile, infrastructure and defense applications) has launched what it claims is the smallest bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filter available that can handle 5W of RF average input power, with peaks up to 40W. The new filter is said to solves reliability, assembly, test and space constraint challenges involved in designing massive MIMO telecom infrastructure for 5G migration.

Telecom providers are implementing massive MIMO equipment to boost LTE networks and prepare for 5G performance in large traffic areas. This results in additional capacity and better signal quality, and improves usage of the existing network spectrum, says Qorvo.

The QPQ1300 leverages the firm’s solidly mounted resonator (SMR) BAW technology, which supports the highly reliable thermal power dissipation required for massive MIMO infrastructure equipment. At 5mm x 5mm x 1mm, it also represents a 90% saving in space over ceramic filters, it is reckoned. The QPQ1300 is optimized for 2575-2635MHz, a sub-band for Band 41. Prototype samples are available now to qualified customers.

“The size and power-handling capabilities of the QPQ1300 differentiate it from every other filter on the market,” reckons James Klein, president, Qorvo Infrastructure and Defense Products. “Smaller filters enable telecom equipment manufacturers to design printed circuit boards for space-constrained applications such as massive MIMO in order to improve network capacity using existing LTE network infrastructure.”

The QPQ1300 expands Qorvo’s line of BAW filters for base stations, which solve difficult interference and coexistence challenges worldwide. They also enable operators and manufacturers to deliver higher speeds and greater bandwidth with more efficient use of existing spectrum, the firm adds.

Qorvo is showcasing its wireless infrastructure products in booth #1510 at the IEEE MTT International Microwave Symposium (IMS 2017) in Honolulu, Hawaii (4-9 June).