TriQuint has acquired CAP Wireless and its high efficiency all solidstate Spatium technology for highpower RF system amplifier applications

Acquisition May Bring GaN Improvements To GaAs Solution

Aug. 20, 2013

TriQuint Semiconductor has acquired CAP Wireless, combining their GaN expertise and Spatium technology to provide a unique solution for broadband RF power systems.

Iliza Sokol

In today’s microwave market, many solutions call for high-power RF amplifier systems. As a replacement for traveling-wave-tube amplifiers (TWTAs), for example, CAP Wireless’ Spatium RF power-combining technology aims to improve broadband RF power efficiency. Recognizing this technology’s current and future potential, TriQuint Semiconductor recently acquired CAP Wireless. By merging the Spatium technology [which is based on gallium-arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs)] with TriQuint’s gallium-nitride (GaN) device expertise, it may be possible to improve Spatium’s performance in terms of efficiency, power density, frequency coverage, and output power.

The improvements to Spatium will mainly be achieved through the use of coaxial spatial combining techniques, which have already demonstrated better than 90% power-combining efficiency. The new approach will also offer solid-state reliability, smaller form factors, higher power densities, and reduced weight and lifecycle costs compared to former systems. Applications include electronic warfare (EW), communications, and radar for both communications and defense markets. Beyond the technology enhancement, this acquisition has expanded TriQuint’s portfolio of high-power/high-frequency products.

About the Author

Iliza Sokol | Associate Digital Editor

Iliza joined the Penton Media group in 2013 after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a BS in Advertising and Marketing Communications. Prior to joining the staff, she worked at NYLON Magazine and a ghostwriting firm based in New York.