NEC Corporation has announced the development of a compact, high-efficiency power amplifier module (PAM) for integration into 5G base station radio units (RUs). This innovation aims to reduce power consumption significantly, addressing a critical challenge for telecommunications carriers as they expand 5G networks.
The new PAM, designed for the sub-6GHz band, aims to cut power consumption by 10% compared to conventional amplifiers. It achieves a Power-Added Efficiency (PAE) of 50%, with a compact size of 10 mm x 6 mm. These attributes are expected to lower operational costs for carriers and contribute to environmental sustainability.
PAMs are critical in amplifying signals for radio transmission, and they consume about 75% of the total power used by an RU, according to NEC. The incorporation of the new PAM into RUs is poised to deliver significant efficiency gains.
NEC plans to integrate this advanced PAM into new RUs scheduled for release in the first half of the fiscal year 2026. Additionally, the company intends to deploy the PAM globally as a standalone product that can be incorporated into base stations from other manufacturers.
This development aligns with the necessity of deploying more RUs in 5G networks, which utilize higher frequency bands than 4G, often requiring more robust coverage solutions. As NEC strives to reduce individual RU power consumption, the initiative supports broader power savings and reduced expenses for networks.
NEC will present the PAM at the MWC Barcelona 2026, highlighting its efficiency, energy-saving benefits, and increased design flexibility. The technology leverages NEC’s expertise in advanced circuit design using Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices and load modulation methods.
This project received support from a grant by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology in Japan, further underlining the collaborative efforts in advancing telecommunications technology.