Qorvo DKFC2072A

Overview

DKFC2072A from Qorvo is a complete design kit for the RFFC2072A 2.7 GHz RF synthesizer/VCO with integrated single high-linearity mixer, supporting 30–2700 MHz RF/IF conversion and 85–2700 MHz LO generation via fractional-N PLL. It includes evaluation board, cables, and programming software for rapid prototyping in LTE infrastructure and point-to-point radios.

For engineers reviewing the DKFC2072A datasheet, DKFC2072A application, DKFC2072A equivalent, or DKFC2072A pinout, this kit enables full functional validation of the RFFC2072A's 3-wire serial interface, programmable mixer bias, external LO input, lock detect output, and multi-slice serial bus control - critical for SDR and repeater system development.

Technical Context

The DKFC2072A supports the RFFC2072A IC, which integrates a fractional-N PLL synthesizer, temperature-compensated VCO (covering 85–2700 MHz), and one wideband double-balanced Gilbert-cell mixer. The device uses an external active loop filter and supports both internal reference (10–104 MHz) and external LO input (85–5400 MHz via /2 divider).

It operates from 2.7 V to 3.3 V, delivers 0.18° rms phase noise at 1 GHz LO, achieves +23 dBm input IP3 in high-linearity mode, and enables full configuration-including GPO control, modulation setup, and VCO band calibration-via its 3- or 4-wire serial interface.

Key Specifications

Availability

DKFC2072A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LTE infrastructure, point-to-point radios, and software-defined radio development requiring stable component supply, rapid evaluation turnaround, and production-ready reference designs.

Supply support for DKFC2072A includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Qorvo is a global leader in RF solutions, delivering high-performance semiconductor components for defense, mobile, infrastructure, and aerospace applications.

The RFFC2072A product line targets wideband frequency conversion in wireless infrastructure, designed to replace discrete PLL/VCO/mixer combinations with a single-chip solution enabling compact, low-power, high-linearity RF front ends.

FAQ

What is the DKFC2072A and how does it relate to the RFFC2072A IC?

The DKFC2072A is Qorvo's official complete design kit for the RFFC2072A RF synthesizer/VCO with integrated single mixer. It includes a fully assembled and tested evaluation board, USB programming interface, Qorvo QTools software, documentation, and accessories - enabling immediate hardware validation and register-level configuration of the RFFC2072A without custom PCB development.

Does the DKFC2072A support full-duplex operation like the RFFC2071A?

No. The DKFC2072A is specifically configured for the RFFC2072A, which contains only one integrated RF mixer and does not support full-duplex mode. Full-duplex operation requires the RFFC2071A (dual-mixer variant) and its corresponding DKFC2071A design kit - the DKFC2072A hardware and firmware are not compatible with dual-mixer functionality.

Can the DKFC2072A be used to evaluate external LO injection into the RFFC2072A?

Yes. The DKFC2072A evaluation board provides access to the EXT_LO (Pin 2) and EXT_LO_DEC (Pin 3) pins per the RFFC2072A datasheet, allowing direct connection of an external 85–5400 MHz LO source through a 1:1 balun. The board includes matching network provisions and decoupling to support clean external LO drive validation.

What serial interface modes does the DKFC2072A support for programming the RFFC2072A?

The DKFC2072A supports both 3-wire (SCLK, SDATA, ENX) and 4-wire (SCLK, SDATA, DO/GPO4, ENX) serial configurations for the RFFC2072A, as defined in the device's SDI_CTRL register. Qorvo QTools software automatically handles mode selection, and the evaluation board routes all required signals with proper termination and noise isolation.

Does the DKFC2072A include support for multi-slice serial bus operation with other RFFC2072A devices?

Yes. The DKFC2072A evaluation board exposes ADD1 (Pin 15) and ADD2 (Pin 16) for address configuration, enabling up to four RFFC2072A devices to share a common serial bus - a feature confirmed in the RFFC2072A datasheet and validated on the DKFC2072A board layout and firmware examples provided in Qorvo's DA000718 resource package.