Exploring TO270 Packaging for Wideband, Unmatched LDMOS Drivers

The demand for low-cost, high-performance, and reliable components continues to fuel innovation in RF power transistors. TO270 packaging for wideband, unmatched LDMOS drivers is one notable solution driving down costs and enabling the seamless advancement of wireless technologies across various applications, from telecommunications to industrial, scientific, medical (ISM), and beyond.

Available now at RFMW, TO270 packaged, wideband, unmatched LDMOS transistors from Ampleon offer a compelling blend of performance and cost-effectiveness. This comprehensive portfolio is further complimented by our expert design recommendations and application support, providing invaluable guidance for PA designers to achieve development success.

Understanding TO270 Packaging

TO270 packaging represents a significant advancement in packaging options because over-moulded packaging (OMP) offers advantages such as low thermal resistance due to a high copper content in the flange, a high-power handling capability, and simpler assembly processes, all at a lower cost. These benefits make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, particularly those requiring high reliability and performance at lower frequencies.

Ampleon’s range of wideband LDMOS transistors in TO270-packages come in various supply voltages ranging from 13, 28, 50, and 65 volts and are available in power levels from 10 to 150 Watts. With a lifespan of up to 15 years, these transistors have garnered popularity across diverse applications.

LDMOS vs GaN

LDMOS is a mature technology and is based on 8” silicon wafers, so it offers a lower-cost alternative to GaN, which still uses smaller wafer sizes and silicon carbide wafers that are more expensive to produce. Combining LDMOS with low-cost TO270 packaging makes an extremely cost-effective solution.

While LDMOS is a more cost-friendly alternative, it’s essential to recognize that GaN can have better RF performance than LDMOS as we go up in frequency and is better suited for broadband operation due it its lower intrinsic capacitance.  This distinction is crucial for applications that demand high-frequency performance and wide bandwidth. Conversely, for applications below 1 GHz, the performance of LDMOS and GaN technologies is similar. GaN dies are smaller, providing more Watts per square millimeter, but this also means they have more thermal limitations (higher thermal resistance) than LDMOS. This consideration is particularly critical for continuous wave (CW) operation, where maintaining stable temperatures is paramount for sustained performance.

Discrete Transistor Solutions and Innovations

Ampleon’s line of wideband, unmatched LDMOS transistors empower developers, especially PA designers, to achieve success in their developments through TO270 packaging and cutting-edge innovations. From IFF/ADS-B drivers to UHF radar applications, Ampleon transistors offer unparalleled versatility and performance. For instance:

• The  BLP15H9S10(G) serves as a 10-Watt driver stage for applications such as IFF, Mode-S, and ADS-B within the 1030–1090 MHz range.
• The BLP15H9S30(G) caters to UHF communications and radar applications, providing a robust 30-Watt solution.
• The BLP15M9S30(G) can be used as an L-Band radar driver, offering 25 Watts of power at 50V.
  • It’s also ideal for broadband applications, boasting a frequency range of HF to 2 GHz.
• The BLP15M9S100(G) can be used for UHF communications or radar in the 400–470 MHz band, delivering an impressive 100 Watts of power.

Ampleon Wideband, Unmatched LDMOS Drivers Now Available at RFMW

PA designers stand to benefit significantly from Ampleon’s solutions, which prioritize performance, reliability, and expert support. With RFMW experts on hand to assist developers in selecting the ideal solution for their specific application and use case, Ampleon’s wideband, unmatched LDMOS drivers pave the way for innovation and excellence in wireless infrastructure.

Find Ampleon’s line of wideband, unmatched LDMOS Drivers with TO270 packaging at RFMW: