Medium Power
Amplifiers
GaN and GaAs MMIC-based amplifier modules for driver stages, signal conditioning, and transmit chains. Balanced output power and gain flatness with waveguide and coaxial interfaces across mmWave and microwave bands.
Versatile Amplification for Driver and Transmit Chains
RF Essentials medium power amplifiers fill the gap between low noise front-end stages and high power output modules. These MPAs are engineered for applications that demand more output power than an LNA can provide, with better gain flatness and linearity than a saturated HPA. They serve as driver amplifiers, pre-amplifier stages, and standalone transmit modules across a range of system architectures.
Our MPAs cover the standard waveguide bands from WR-42 (18 GHz) through WR-10 (110 GHz). GaN MMICs are used where higher output power density is required; GaAs pHEMT devices are selected for applications where gain flatness and moderate output power are the primary design objectives. Every module is built in split-block machined housings with gold-plated waveguide channels.
Medium Power Amplifiers by Waveguide Band
Each row represents a standard waveguide band where RF Essentials offers medium power amplifier modules. Specifications shown are representative of standard configurations. Custom frequency ranges, output power targets, and packaging options are available on request.
9 Waveguide Bands| WR Band | Frequency Range | Typical Psat | Typical Gain | Technology | Interface | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WR-42 | 18.0 – 26.5 GHz | 1 – 5 W | 20 – 35 dB | GaN | WR-42 / 2.92mm | Request Quote → |
| WR-28 | 26.5 – 40.0 GHz | 500 mW – 3 W | 18 – 30 dB | GaN | WR-28 / 2.92mm | Request Quote → |
| WR-22 | 33.0 – 50.0 GHz | 250 mW – 2 W | 18 – 28 dB | GaN / GaAs | WR-22 | Request Quote → |
| WR-19 | 40.0 – 60.0 GHz | 200 mW – 1 W | 18 – 25 dB | GaN / GaAs | WR-19 | Request Quote → |
| WR-15 | 50.0 – 75.0 GHz | 100 – 500 mW | 15 – 22 dB | GaAs pHEMT | WR-15 | Request Quote → |
| WR-12 | 60.0 – 90.0 GHz | 80 – 400 mW | 15 – 20 dB | GaAs pHEMT | WR-12 | Request Quote → |
| WR-10 | 75.0 – 110.0 GHz | 50 – 250 mW | 12 – 18 dB | GaAs / InP | WR-10 | Request Quote → |
| WR-8 | 90.0 – 140.0 GHz | 20 – 150 mW | 10 – 16 dB | GaAs / InP | WR-8 | Request Quote → |
| WR-6 | 110.0 – 170.0 GHz | 10 – 80 mW | 8 – 14 dB | InP | WR-6 | Request Quote → |
All specifications are typical and subject to change. Contact engineering for detailed datasheets and custom requirements.
Design & Construction
GaN MMICs provide higher output power density for driver and transmit applications at Ka-band and below. GaAs pHEMT devices deliver excellent gain flatness and linearity at V-band and above, making them ideal for signal conditioning stages.
Matching networks are designed for flat gain response across the full operating bandwidth. Optimized for linear operation with controlled gain ripple, making these modules suitable for driving subsequent amplifier stages.
Precision CNC-machined split-block construction with gold-plated waveguide channels. Ensures low insertion loss, repeatable performance, and hermetic sealing where required.
Every unit ships with measured gain, P1dB, Psat, gain flatness, and VSWR data across the full operating band. S-parameter files and compression curves are available on request.
Built-in bias sequencing, gate voltage regulation, and overcurrent protection. Designed for reliable integration into active transmit and signal conditioning chains.
Custom frequency sub-bands, multi-stage driver chains, modified flange interfaces, and integrated transmit sub-assemblies built to your system power budget and gain requirements.
Where Our MPAs Perform
RF Essentials medium power amplifiers serve as the critical link between front-end processing and final-stage output. They provide the gain and power levels needed to drive HPAs, condition signals, and support moderate-power transmit requirements.
- HPA Driver Stages
- Radar Exciter Chains
- Electronic Warfare Transmitters
- 5G / 6G mmWave Repeaters
- SATCOM Uplink Chains
- Test & Measurement Systems
- Point-to-Point Backhaul
- Lab & Test Signal Sources
Other Amplifier Categories
High Power Amplifiers
GaN and GaAs MMIC-based solid-state power amplifier modules. Maximum output power for transmit applications across mmWave bands.
View CategoryLow Noise Amplifiers
Ultra-low noise figure LNA modules for receiver front-end applications. Optimized for maximum sensitivity and signal integrity.
View CategoryFrequently Asked Questions
Medium power amplifiers (MPAs) serve as the intermediate gain and power stage in RF signal chains. They are commonly used as driver amplifiers to boost signal levels before a high power amplifier (HPA), as standalone transmit modules for moderate-power applications, and as signal conditioning stages where controlled output power and gain flatness are required.
An LNA is optimized for minimum noise figure and sits at the receiver front end. An HPA is designed for maximum output power at the transmit end. An MPA fills the middle ground, providing more output power than an LNA with better linearity and gain flatness than a saturated HPA. MPAs are often used to drive HPAs or as standalone amplifiers in systems that do not require maximum transmit power.
RF Essentials offers medium power amplifier modules across 9 standard waveguide bands from WR-42 (18 GHz) through WR-6 (170 GHz). Output power ranges from watts at the lower frequency bands to tens of milliwatts at D-band. Custom sub-band configurations and power targets are available on request.
Yes. MPAs are specifically designed for cascading in multi-stage amplifier chains. A typical transmit chain might use an LNA or gain block as a pre-driver, followed by an MPA driver stage, and then an HPA output stage. RF Essentials can provide integrated multi-stage assemblies with optimized inter-stage matching for your specific system architecture.