NXP Semiconductors RAPIDRF-26E39

Overview

RAPIDRF-26E39 from NXP is a 2496–2690 MHz RF front-end evaluation board featuring a 2-stage LDMOS Doherty power amplifier multi-chip module (PAM), integrated circulator, pre-programmed TI LMP92066 bias controller, and GaAs receive switch/LNA (AFRX5G272). It delivers 38.5 dBm average output power at 27 V with 55.9 dB lineup gain and 37.4% efficiency for 5G TDD transmitters.

For engineers reviewing the RAPIDRF-26E39 datasheet, RAPIDRF-26E39 pinout, RAPIDRF-26E39 application, or RAPIDRF-26E39 equivalent, this board supports rapid prototyping of 5G massive MIMO radio units, outdoor small cells, and Open RAN base station transceivers requiring up to 200 MHz instantaneous bandwidth and digital pre-distortion feedback.

Technical Context

The RAPIDRF-26E39 implements a TDD-controlled RF front-end with separate Tx and Rx paths sharing a common antenna port via an integrated circulator. Transmit path includes a GaAs pre-driver (AFLP5G25641), 2-stage LDMOS Doherty PAM (AFSC5G26E39), and 38 dB directional coupler for wideband DPD feedback before the circulator.

Rx path routes signal through the circulator to a high-speed GaAs switch and low-noise amplifier (AFRX5G272) with 1.6 dB noise figure and 32 dB IIP3. Bias is managed by a factory pre-programmed LMP92066 controller providing temperature-compensated voltage regulation and fast TDD switching.

Key Specifications

Availability

RAPIDRF-26E39 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 5G massive MIMO radio units, outdoor small cells, and Open RAN base station development requiring stable component supply, validated reference design integration, and production-ready RF front-end evaluation capability.

Supply support for RAPIDRF-26E39 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 company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, IoT, and communications markets.

RAPIDRF-26E39 belongs to NXP's RapidRF series of pre-validated RF front-end modules designed specifically for 5G TDD radio systems-targeting simplified design, high-efficiency Doherty amplification, and seamless DPD integration in massive MIMO and Open RAN architectures.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the RAPIDRF-26E39?

The RAPIDRF-26E39 is a complete RF front-end evaluation board for 5G TDD transceivers. It integrates a 2-stage LDMOS Doherty power amplifier module, circulator, GaAs receive switch/LNA, and pre-programmed bias controller to enable rapid validation of transmitter linearity, receiver sensitivity, and DPD feedback loop performance across the 2496–2690 MHz band.

Does the RAPIDRF-26E39 require external bias programming?

No. The RAPIDRF-26E39 uses a TI LMP92066 bias controller that is factory pre-programmed for optimal idle current and temperature compensation across all amplifier stages. External I²C programming (via J4 pins 2 and 4) is reserved for factory use only and not required for normal operation of the RAPIDRF-26E39.

What are the critical power supply requirements for the RAPIDRF-26E39?

The RAPIDRF-26E39 requires two regulated supplies: a 24–32 V, 1 A source for the PA stage (J1 Pin 1), and a 5 V, 250 mA source for logic, bias control, pre-driver, and Rx circuitry (J1 Pin 3). The 5 V rail must be applied before the PA supply to ensure safe power sequencing and prevent latch-up in the RAPIDRF-26E39.

How is TDD mode controlled on the RAPIDRF-26E39?

TDD mode on the RAPIDRF-26E39 is controlled via two dedicated logic inputs on J4: Pin 7 (Transmit/Receive Switch) sets path direction (0 = Rx, 1 = Tx), and Pin 8 (PA Enable) activates the transmit chain (0 = standby, 1 = enabled). Both accept 1.8 V logic levels with internal pull-downs, and simultaneous assertion is required for transmit operation.

Can the RAPIDRF-26E39 be used for DPD system development?

Yes. The RAPIDRF-26E39 provides a dedicated FB Out port (J2) sampling the PA output via a 38 dB directional coupler before the circulator, delivering a clean, wideband feedback signal suitable for real-time digital pre-distortion. Its 200 MHz instantaneous bandwidth and linearized Doherty architecture make the RAPIDRF-26E39 ideal for DPD algorithm validation and convergence testing.