RFPA5208TR13

The RFPA5208TR13 is a three-stage power amplifier designed by Qorvo (formerly RF Micro Devices) for Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n/ac systems operating in the 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz frequency range. It integrates a 2 GHz power amplifier, voltage regulator, and a power detector coupler for improved accuracy into a single compact module. The integrated input and output 50-ohm match and integrated regulator minimize layout area, reduce the bill of materials, and lower manufacturability cost. Performance is optimized for a balance of efficiency and linear output power to maximize wireless connection range. The device delivers +28 dBm output power for 802.11n 20 MHz MCS7 at -30 dB dynamic EVM, and +26 dBm for 802.11ac 20 MHz MCS8 at -35 dB dynamic EVM, with 40 dB typical gain. It operates from a single 5 V supply with 530 mA (802.11n) or 590 mA (802.11ac) current consumption. The RFPA5208TR13 is housed in a 4.0 x 4.0 x 1.05 mm, 10-pin laminate MCM package and is qualified to MSL-3. Note: This product has been discontinued (End of Life announced September 8, 2023, PCN 23-0127; Last Time Buy March 11, 2024).

The RFPA5208TR13 operates as a three-stage linear power amplifier with the following signal flow:

1. Input Matching Network: The RF input signal (2.4-2.5 GHz) is fed through an integrated 50-ohm matched input, requiring no external matching components. The input return loss is typically 10 dB.

2. Three-Stage Amplification: The signal passes through three cascaded gain stages that together provide 40 dB of typical gain with a gain flatness of -1.5 dB across the 2.4-2.5 GHz band. Each stage is biased internally by the integrated voltage regulator, ensuring stable performance over supply voltage and temperature variations.

3. Integrated Regulator: An on-chip voltage regulator converts the 5 V supply into controlled bias voltages for each amplifier stage. The regulator is enabled via the PA_EN pin (active high, 2.9-3.1 V). When PA_EN is low (0-0.2 V), the amplifier is disabled with a quiescent current of only 225 mA dropping further in shutdown.

4. Output Matching Network: The amplified signal exits through an integrated 50-ohm matched output, again requiring no external matching. The output return loss is typically 8 dB.

5. Power Detector (PDET): An integrated directional coupler and detector provide a DC voltage output proportional to the transmitted power level, enabling real-time transmit power monitoring and closed-loop power control without an external coupler.

6. Enable/Disable Control: The PA_EN pin controls the amplifier on/off state. Setting PA_EN high enables the PA and regulator; setting it low disables the amplifier for power saving in TDD (Time Division Duplex) Wi-Fi operation.