Qorvo QPM6000EVB

Overview

QPM6000EVB from Qorvo is an evaluation board designed specifically for the QPM6000 8–14 GHz integrated limiter/LNA RFIC, enabling rapid characterization of small-signal gain (23 dB), noise figure (1.6 dB), input power survivability (20 W CW), and 50 Ω matched RF ports in radar and EW receiver front ends.

For engineers reviewing the QPM6000EVB datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this board supports full RF performance validation-including Psat (18 dBm), OTOI (23 dBm), bias sequencing (VD = 2.0 V, VG = −0.5 V), thermal derating, and S-parameter de-embedding-across −40 °C to +85 °C operating range.

Technical Context

The QPM6000EVB implements a microstrip-based test fixture using Rogers R4350B (ε_r = 3.48) with 0.0133″ thickness and 1.0 oz copper layers, optimized for Southwest Microwave 2.92 mm end-launch connectors (1092-01A-5). It provides DC-coupled RFIN and DC-blocked RFOUT paths with full bias control for both top- and bottom-side LNA stages.

Board-level design supports precise QPM6000 characterization under recommended operating conditions: VD = 2.0 V, IDQ = 180 mA total, and gate voltages tuned to −0.5 V typical. All decoupling capacitors (0.01 μF, 1.0 μF, 10.0 μF) are placed per RF layout best practices to suppress supply noise across 8–14 GHz.

Key Specifications

Availability

QPM6000EVB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for radar system prototyping, electronic warfare receiver development, and 5G mmWave front-end validation requiring stable component supply and traceable RF evaluation hardware.

Supply support for QPM6000EVB 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 U.S.-based RF semiconductor company specializing in high-frequency GaAs and GaN solutions for defense, aerospace, and infrastructure applications.

The QPM6000 product line delivers ruggedized, high-linearity limiter/LNA functionality for 8–14 GHz military and commercial radar front ends where input survivability and low-noise amplification must coexist.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the QPM6000EVB?

The QPM6000EVB is an evaluation board built exclusively for the QPM6000 8–14 GHz limiter/LNA RFIC. It enables engineers to validate RF performance-including gain, noise figure, output power, and limiter robustness-under real-world bias and thermal conditions. The QPM6000EVB includes calibrated microstrip routing, precision 2.92 mm connectors, and full gate/drain bias access to support complete characterization of the QPM6000 device.

Which RF connector type does the QPM6000EVB use?

The QPM6000EVB uses Southwest Microwave 2.92 mm female end-launch connectors (part number 1092-01A-5) on both input and output ports. These connectors are impedance-matched to 50 Ω and optimized for operation across the full 8–14 GHz band. The PCB layout incorporates controlled-impedance microstrip transitions directly to the QPM6000 RF pads to minimize launch loss and maintain measurement integrity for the QPM6000EVB.

Does the QPM6000EVB support full bias sequencing for the QPM6000?

Yes-the QPM6000EVB provides dedicated test points and routing for all critical bias nodes: VDT1–3 and VDB1–3 (drain supplies), VG1 and VG2 (gate controls), and ground reference planes. The board implements the exact bias-up and bias-down procedures specified in the QPM6000 datasheet, including current limiting, gate pre-biasing, and staged voltage application to ensure safe operation of the QPM6000 during evaluation.

What PCB material and stackup does the QPM6000EVB use?

The QPM6000EVB uses Rogers R4350B dielectric (ε_r = 3.48) with a thickness of 0.0133″ and 1.0 oz copper layers. This material choice ensures stable phase and amplitude response across 8–14 GHz while supporting tight microstrip tolerances required for accurate S-parameter extraction. The stackup is validated for use with the QPM6000's 8.5 × 6 mm QFN package and matches the reference design used in Qorvo's characterization labs for the QPM6000EVB.

Is the QPM6000EVB RoHS and lead-free compliant?

Yes-the QPM6000EVB complies with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (as amended by 2015/863/EU) and is fully lead-free, halogen-free, antimony-free, TBBP-A free, SVHC free, and PFOS free. It follows J-STD-020 MSL Level 3 reflow profile (peak 260 °C) and is compatible with standard lead-free assembly processes. This compliance applies to both the PCB fabrication and all populated components on the QPM6000EVB.