Falcomm, a fabless semiconductor technology startup founded in 2021 out of Georgia Tech, has developed the Dual-Drive™ power amplifier technology to maximize transmitter power and efficiency in wireless communication systems. After many decades without substantial innovation in power amplifier technology, they have developed a new class of solid-state power amplifiers, called the dual-drive™ PA. This technology represents a breakthrough in the search for an ultra-efficient power amplifier that will allow people with mobile-connected devices to spend less time looking for a charger and allow telecommunication operators and satellite companies to lower their operational expenses.
In most transceiver designs, power amplifiers dominate the overall transmitter efficiency and thermal performance. This new ultra-efficient, patented power amplifier is designed to increase the theoretical maximum efficiency limits of amplifiers beyond 78.5% making Dual-Drive™ technology a game changer for wireless systems. RF Power Amplifiers built using this technology have reached a record drain efficiency close to 65% at 28 GHz. The reduced thermal management and energy cost along with easy system design makes these amplifiers ideal for base stations, cellphones, radars and a range of other applications.
Key Benefits of Dual-Drive™ Power Amplifier Technology
- Best in class efficiency
- Plug-and-Play
- Frequency and process agnostic
- Small Silicon footprint
- 50-Ohm matching
- Lower thermal management cost
- Silicon proven technology
- Design flow that accurately models within 2% of measurements
To help customers adopt their new technology, they create full turn-key solutions, from your specifications to silicon. Their expertise spans RF/mmWave across CMOS, GaN, GaAs, and SiGe platforms. Their proprietary IP includes LNAs, T/R switches, TRx with beam steering capabilities, on-chip antennas, and the world’s most efficient power amplifiers.
Even before Falcomm became a commercial business, Georgia Tech had spent $5-6 million on supporting the development of its technology for six years. They then raised $4 Million in September 2023. They aim to be the industry-standard for power amplifiers and front-end-module products and want to compete with Qualcomm, Broadcom and Skyworks to do what Tesla did to the auto industry.
Click here to learn more about Falcomm's Dual-Drive™-based power amplifier products.
