Mitsubishi Electric : Develops New Technology to Realize Small, High-efficiency GaN Power Amplifier Module for 5G Base-Stations
July 13, 2020 at 10:11 pm EDT
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Combines 6mm-by-10mm size and world-leading 43% power efficiency
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today they have developed a new technology to realize a gallium nitride (GaN) power amplifier module for 5G base-stations that offers a combination of compact (6mm by 10mm) footprint and extra-high power-efficiency1, the latter exceeding an unprecedented rating of 43%2. The module, which uses a minimum number of chip components in the matching circuit to control high-quality signal output, is expected to help realize 5G base-stations that are widely deployable and highly power efficient. Technical details of the new module will be presented at the IEEE International Microwave Symposium this coming August.
1 According to Mitsubishi Electric research as of July 14, 2020
2 Using the 5G frequency range of 3.4-3.8GHz
Key Features
High-density mounting technology to realize compact (6mmx10mm) power amplifier module for more widely deployable 5G base-stations
In 4G base-stations, which do not use massive Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (mMIMO) antennas, power amplifiers use metal-foil transmission lines for the matching circuit. While this lowers power loss, resulting in high-efficiency operation, transmission lines take up space and make it difficult to realize base stations that are both extra small and extra power efficient. Mitsubishi Electric’s new technology eliminates the need for transmission lines in 5G power amplifiers.
The new amplifier module’s matching circuit is integrated with surface mount devices (SMDs), such as capacitors and inductors. By introducing a highly accurate electromagnetic field analysis method and applying a unique technology for the dense arrangement of SMDs, Mitsubishi Electric was able to reduce the amplifier’s size to just one-ninetieth that of conventional power amplifiers.3
3 Mitsubishi Electric’s 4G power amplifiers released on January 12, 2017
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Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of electric and electronic equipment. Net sales (including intragroup) break down by family of products and by services as follows:
- industrial automation equipment (28.6%): programmable controllers, motor operators, counters, industrial robots, clutches, etc.;
- electric equipment (24.2%): generators, motors, transformers, power circuit breakers, testing systems, etc.;
- household appliances (22.4%): televisions, video recorders, air conditioners, refrigerators, lamps, vacuum cleaners, etc.;
- information and communication equipment (6.9%): mobile phones, satellites, aerials, medical and audiovisual equipment, servers, computers, etc.;
- electronic components and devices (4.7%): memory, logic integrated circuits, monitors, plasma screens, printed circuit cards, etc.;
- other (13.2%): financial services, real estate management, engineering and maintenance services, etc.
Net sales break down geographically as follows: Japan (52.1%), Asia (24.9%), Europe (11.1%), North America (10.3%) and other (1.6%).