| Frequency Coverage | Confirm that the amplifier covers the complete operating band, including any required guard bands. | Common 5G NR examples include n257 (26.5–29.5 GHz), n258 (24.25–27.5 GHz), n261 (27.5–28.35 GHz), and n260 (37–40 GHz). Select according to the intended system band. | Frequency-response plots and test results across the specified operating band. |
| Output Power | Compare saturated output power and 1 dB compression point, and establish whether the stated value is per device, channel, or module. | Set the required power from the link budget and system architecture. Compare results at the same frequency, temperature, supply voltage, and test plane. | Datasheet definitions, measured power-versus-frequency plots, and representative test reports. |
| Linear Output Performance | Check output power under the intended modulation, waveform, and signal bandwidth—not only under continuous-wave testing. | Specify the required EVM and adjacent-channel leakage performance at the intended average output power. Back-off requirements depend on the waveform and system design. | Modulated-signal test data identifying waveform, bandwidth, average output power, and measurement setup. |
| Gain and Gain Flatness | Assess small-signal gain, variation across frequency, and stability over the required operating conditions. | Define minimum gain and allowable gain variation for the full band; check whether external gain equalization is needed. | Gain-versus-frequency plots, operating-condition details, and any recommended equalization guidance. |
| Efficiency and Power Consumption | Review power-added efficiency (PAE), DC consumption, and thermal impact at the required output operating point. | Compare PAE at the same frequency and output-power condition. A peak PAE figure alone may not represent performance in the intended application. | PAE and DC power data across relevant output levels, frequencies, and temperatures. |
| RF Interface and Integration | Verify the RF connector or waveguide interface, impedance, mechanical dimensions, and compatibility with the rest of the signal chain. | For waveguide designs, check that the selected waveguide type covers the required frequency range; for example, WR-28 is commonly used from 26.5 to 40 GHz. | Mechanical drawings, interface specifications, recommended mounting details, and integration notes. |
| Thermal Management | Determine how heat is conducted away from the device and how performance changes with case or ambient temperature. | Define the installation temperature range, cooling method, and allowable derating with the manufacturer. There is no single thermal limit suitable for every design. | Thermal specifications, derating curves, mounting requirements, and operating-temperature test conditions. |
| Control and Power Supply | Check supply-voltage requirements, current draw, enable or bias control, and protection behavior. | Confirm that the supply and control sequence fit the system design, including startup, shutdown, and fault handling. | Electrical interface documentation, recommended bias sequence, and protection or fault-response details. |
| Quality and Reliability | Review production controls, traceability, screening options, and the process for handling nonconforming units. | Agree on applicable inspection, acceptance, and reliability requirements before qualification or production orders. | Quality-system documentation, lot traceability information, inspection plans, and available reliability-test reports. |
| Compliance and Documentation | Identify regulatory, safety, and end-product requirements that apply to the complete system and its destination market. | Confirm responsibilities for component-level documentation versus final equipment-level compliance; requirements depend on product design and market. | Available declarations, material or safety documentation, and technical files relevant to the specific product and application. |
| Supply and Commercial Fit | Evaluate production capacity, sample availability, lead-time communication, customization scope, and after-sales support. | Compare written quotations using the same configuration, order quantity, delivery terms, warranty scope, and forecast assumptions. | Quotation, delivery schedule, sample and qualification plan, warranty terms, and escalation contacts. |
