Why CMOS Power Amplifiers?

The vast majority of power amplifiers today are fabricated with GaAs processes. So why would one consider CMOS power amplifier technology?  In fact, why are ‘GaAs’ transmit modules introducing more and more CMOS content?  Simply put, because the future is CMOS.

If it can be made in CMOS, it will Cost Less

For the past 30 years a common semiconductor fact has been immutable – if it can be made in CMOS, it will cost less.  Power amplifiers can, and are, being made with CMOS processes.  Amalfi has proven the ability to mass produce high performance CMOS power amplifiers – including over 75 million units shipped to date – using standard CMOS processes.  The overwhelming benefit is that standard, bulk CMOS process offers the lowest cost platform for power amplifiers.

It’s all about Integration – and the integration roadmap will be CMOS

CMOS power amplifiers are inherently scalable and are the ideal platform for highly integrated solutions.  CMOS offers the unique opportunity to integrate the amplifier core, switch, control, and power management into a monolithic device.  As cellular front-ends move from 2G through 3G to LTE platforms the need for integration increases dramatically – and will increasingly rely on CMOS integration technology.

CMOS technology is abundant, and quickly scalable 

Standard CMOS process technology is abundant, offering a scalable supply chain capable of quickly ramping to volume production.  This offers superior customer service – remember, CMOS has 100x more fabrication capacity than GaAs!