NXP Semiconductors MRF300AN-40MHZ

Overview

MRF300AN-40MHZ from NXP Semiconductors is a 40.68 MHz reference circuit board built around the MRF300AN 300 W RF power LDMOS transistor, operating at 50 Vdc with 330 W CW output, 28.2 dB power gain, and 79.0% drain efficiency. It serves as a validated design platform for industrial plasma etching, MRI RF amplifiers, and HF/VHF broadcast transmitters.

For engineers reviewing the MRF300AN-40MHZ datasheet, MRF300AN-40MHZ pinout, MRF300AN-40MHZ application, or MRF300AN-40MHZ equivalent, this reference circuit provides verified impedance matching networks (Z_source = 7.83 + j13.51 Ω, Z_load = 5.34 + j1.03 Ω), thermal performance data (R_θJC = 0.55 °C/W), ruggedness validation (>65:1 VSWR at 40.68 MHz), and full BOM with ATC/Murata/Coilcraft components.

Technical Context

The MRF300AN-40MHZ implements a common-source amplifier topology using the MRF300AN in Class AB operation, biased at IDQ = 100 mA with VDD = 50 Vdc. Input and output matching networks are optimized for 50 Ω systems and include chip capacitors (22,000 pF, 200 pF), air-core inductors (120 nH, 117 nH, 33 nH), and ferrite beads for harmonic suppression.

It delivers validated RF performance at 40.68 MHz under CW conditions: 330 W output power, 28.2 dB small-signal power gain (Gps), and 79.0% drain efficiency (ηD), with input return loss of –21 dB measured on the 230 MHz fixture and confirmed stable across phase-angle load mismatches up to 65:1 VSWR.

Key Specifications

Availability

MRF300AN-40MHZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial plasma etching, MRI RF power amplification, and HF broadcast transmitter development requiring stable component supply and production-ready reference designs.

Supply support for MRF300AN-40MHZ 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and communication infrastructure markets.

The MRF300AN-40MHZ belongs to NXP's RF Power LDMOS Transistor reference circuit family, designed to accelerate time-to-market for high-efficiency, high-ruggedness RF amplifier designs in ISM, broadcast, and scientific applications.

FAQ

What is the MRF300AN-40MHZ used for?

The MRF300AN-40MHZ is a fully assembled 40.68 MHz reference circuit board that demonstrates the MRF300AN RF power transistor in a production-validated amplifier configuration. It is used for rapid prototyping and design verification of high-power RF amplifiers in industrial heating, plasma etching, and medical MRI systems where precise 40.68 MHz operation is required.

Does the MRF300AN-40MHZ include the MRF300AN transistor?

Yes, the MRF300AN-40MHZ includes one MRF300AN RF power LDMOS transistor mounted on a 2″×3″ FR4 PCB with 2 oz. copper, matching networks, biasing resistors, and decoupling capacitors. The transistor is soldered in place and configured per NXP's published 40.68 MHz reference design (document page 15).

What are the key impedance values of the MRF300AN-40MHZ reference circuit?

The MRF300AN-40MHZ reference circuit has a measured source impedance of 7.83 + j13.51 Ω and load impedance of 5.34 + j1.03 Ω at 40.68 MHz. These values define the exact series-equivalent impedances presented to the gate and drain terminals of the MRF300AN, enabling accurate replication of the matching network in custom designs.

Can the MRF300AN-40MHZ be used at frequencies other than 40.68 MHz?

No - the MRF300AN-40MHZ is specifically optimized for 40.68 MHz operation. Its matching network components (e.g., 120 nH L1, 22,000 pF C1/C13/C17) are selected for that frequency; performance degrades significantly outside ±2 MHz. For other bands, NXP provides dedicated variants: MRF300AN-27MHZ, MRF300AN-50MHZ, and MRF300AN-81MHZ.

Is thermal data provided for the MRF300AN-40MHZ reference circuit?

Yes - the MRF300AN-40MHZ leverages the MRF300AN's documented thermal resistance R_θJC = 0.55 °C/W (CW, TC = 76°C). The board uses an exposed backside source pad for direct heatsink mounting, and its layout follows NXP's thermal guidelines to maintain junction temperature ≤175°C under 330 W CW operation.