Qorvo QPF4516B Wi-Fi 6 front-end module

The QPF4516B is a Wi-Fi 6 front-end module (FEM) from Qorvo. It is designed for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) applications, enabling fast wireless download/upload speeds, high data capacity, connectivity in crowded spaces and long battery life for Internet of Things (IoT) client devices. The highly integrated FEM is suitable for a range of Wi-Fi 6 applications, including wireless routers, customer premises equipment and access points.

The FEM integrates a 5 GHz power amplifier; a single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch; and a low-noise amplifier with bypass. It is designed to support increased users per access point, increased per-user traffic demand, high-density deployments, cellular offloading, and additional power and performance in Wi-Fi 6 applications. The module’s power amplifier is optimised for a 5 V supply voltage, conserving power consumption while maintaining high linear output power and good throughput. The high-performance FEM provides a transmit gain of 33 dB and a receive gain of 15 dB, with a 2 dB noise figure.

Measuring 5 x 3 mm, the FEM includes a logarithmic power detector, which enables power control across the entire power spectrum for applications that use high-gain antennas or end users wanting to reduce device calibration time in production.