Qorvo helps GAPWAVES launch the second generation of 28GHz active 5G antennas

     Qorvo is helping Gapwaves launch its latest second-generation 28GHz active 5G antenna. This new product is a follow-up to the active antenna introduced in August 2018 and uses Qorvo GaN-on-SiC technology. The second generation 28GHz active antenna has high EIRP and low power performance, while maintaining good thermal operation performance, which is dependent on the performance support of Qorvo power amplifiers. The solution, which uses Gapwaves waveguide antenna technology and Qorvo GaN front-end module, can better meet the future performance requirements of 5G mobile access and fixed wireless access networks.

     Gapwaves' second generation 28GHz active 5G antenna uses the Qorvo integrated GaN front-end MMIC. The 28GHz high EIRP beamforming antenna is an evolution of the previous version of the beamforming antenna with a high performance filter and a conversion function from PCB to waveguide. The integration of the dual-channel GaN front-end module with the beamforming chipset is an advanced prototype built on top of standard components and Gapwaves waveguide technology. The measurements made on this prototype proved to have excellent performance, high antenna efficiency, low losses, and high EIRP, confirming previous results. The construction practice of active antenna also shows excellent thermal performance.

     The antenna prototype and measurements were presented at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona from 25-28 February. The Gapwaves waveguide solution provides a platform for telecom equipment suppliers to develop millimeter-wave products with wide coverage and superior performance, such as for 5G mobile access or fixed wireless access. The next version of the 28GHz 5G antenna will feature features such as up-conversion/down-conversion and digital beamforming.

     Thomas Emanuelsson, CTO of Gapwaves, said: "The introduction of the 28GHz 5G antenna further underlines the high performance of Gapwaves waveguide technology. This solution with the Qorvo GaN integrated front end is ideal for 28GHz systems, such as 5G mobile access and fixed wireless access, as high EIRP and low power performance have been confirmed in test results."

     Lars-Inge Sjoqvist, CEO of Gapwaves, said: "This product is built on standard components and Gapwaves waveguide technology, and is one of the  products on the market that truly meets the needs of future 28GHz 5G networks. Power consumption and large coverage are key elements in enabling future mmwave mobile networks. Our second version of the 5G antenna is a milestone in this development."

     Roger Hall, General Manager of High Performance Solutions at Qorvo, said: "Qorvo is excited to offer products that showcase 5G mmW solutions, including Gapwaves' unique antenna applications. Qorvo's innovative 5G products combine decades of millimeter RF design experience to help conduct dozens of 5G field tests. Our differentiated GaN solutions now address complex network needs to make 5G a reality."