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Qorvo completed its acquisition of Active-Semi on May 6, 2019, after announcing the agreement on April 10. Qorvo reported a purchase price of $309.4 million and said the deal would expand its power-management offerings through its Infrastructure and Defense Products (IDP) group.
When did Qorvo acquire Active-Semi?
Qorvo announced a definitive agreement to acquire Active-Semi International on April 10, 2019. The transaction closed on May 6, 2019, according to Qorvo’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2019.
How much did Qorvo pay?
Qorvo reported a purchase price of $309.4 million in that SEC filing. Its acquisition accounting allocated approximately $24.1 million to net tangible assets, approximately $158.3 million to intangible assets, and approximately $127.0 million to goodwill.
What the accounting allocation includes
Among the significant acquired intangible assets identified in the filing were developed technology, customer relationships, and in-process research and development. These accounting allocations explain how Qorvo recorded the acquired assets and goodwill; they are not additional amounts on top of the reported purchase price.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Wideband Low Noise Amplifier – 0.1-2000MHz Coverage】This RF amplifier operates from 0.1MHz to 2000MHz, covering shortwave, FM broadcast, VHF/UHF, and even 2G/3G/4G signals. Perfect for ham radio, SDR, CB radio, and remote control receivers
- 【32dB Gain & Low Noise Figure】With a typical gain of 32dB and a low noise figure, this LNA (low noise amplifier) significantly improves weak signal reception. The maximum output is 13dBm (20mW) at 50 ohm system impedance, ideal for RF receiving front‑end applications
- 【9-12V DC Operation – Battery Friendly】Supports 9V to 12V power supply (e.g., lithium batteries) with only 27mA current consumption. Works as a portable low noise amplifier for field use, or fixed installation with a 12V wall adapter
- 【Versatile for Many Applications】Use it as a CB amplifier, radio frequency amplifier for FM radios, signal booster for TV antennas, or as a wideband preamp for spectrum analyzers and test equipment. Also suitable for cable TV signal amplifiers and remote control receivers
- 【Stable & Reliable Performance】Built with wide frequency range, high gain, and consistent 50 ohm impedance. This RF wideband amplifier helps increase communication distance and improve reception quality in weak signal environments. Great for DIY projects, amateur radio, and shortwave listening
Why did Qorvo acquire Active-Semi?
Active-Semi was a private fabless supplier of programmable analog power solutions. Qorvo said it would become part of the company’s IDP group, broadening that group’s power-management product offering and extending its reach into additional markets.
Qorvo CEO Bob Bruggeworth described the rationale in the company’s April 10, 2019 announcement: “With the acquisition of Active-Semi, Qorvo will expand IDP’s product offerings for existing customers and extend our reach into new high-growth power management markets.”
Rank #2
- Professional: High linearity,ultra low noise gain block amplifier. High linearity: +35dBm output IP3; high input power ruggedness, +22dBm continuous .
- Stable Performance: RF amplifier ultra bandwidth, high reliability, not easy to and fall off. Amplifier module with wide frequency range, high gain, low noise figure, unconditionally stable.
- Parameters: Low noise amplifier module1.95GHz at 20dB high gain, input and output impedance: 50Ω, bandwidth: 0.1MHz‑6GHz.
- Applicable: RF amplifier has excellent performance, excellent uniformity and high reliability. It is suitable for shortwave, FM radio, remote control receiver, cable TV amplifier, etc.
- Power Supply: Battery less version needs Bias Tee bias power supply, some devices come with bias power supply function such as: for 1A.
Markets Qorvo identified
The announcement named 5G, industrial, data center, automotive, and smart home applications as areas the deal was intended to address. Qorvo estimated that the acquisition expanded its addressable markets by more than $3 billion. That figure was the company’s estimate at announcement, not evidence of realized revenue, market growth, or a measured post-acquisition result.
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What the deal does—and does not—establish
The acquisition added programmable analog power capabilities and related technology to Qorvo’s portfolio. The cited announcement and SEC filing establish the deal’s rationale, timing, price, and accounting treatment; they do not provide an independent assessment of Active-Semi’s post-deal performance or prove that the targeted market expansion translated into sales.
Rank #3
- Enhance Weak Signal Detection: Featuring an ultra-broadband 100k-10GHz range and excellent flatness (21dB@10MHz), this LNA dramatically improves the sensitivity of your TinySA Ultra or SDR receiver, making those faint, distant signals clearly visible
- Portability with Built-In Battery: No more hunting for a USB power bank in the field. The integrated 300mAh battery provides up to 5 hours of continuous operation, making it the perfect companion for outdoor antenna tuning, field testing, and weak-signal DXing without being tethered to a wall outlet
- Compact Rugged Build for Durable Use: Miniature metal housing with solid shielding against interference, compact enough to fit in your toolkit or pocket; well-constructed for stable performance in both laboratory and outdoor field environments
- Complete Kit & Ready-to-Use: Package includes 1x ZK09-BM ultra-low noise amplifier and 1x USB charging cable. Lightweight, compact, and thoroughly tested. It is an essential and trustworthy RF signal booster every ham radio operator and professional engineer needs in their toolkit
- Usage Guide to Prevent Receiver Overload: To avoid AGC compression, signal blocking, and distortion in high-interference urban areas, please avoid using this LNA in overly noisy environments. For optimal spectral purity, we also advise NOT using it simultaneously with the TinySA’s built-in LNA
Is this the same as Qorvo’s proposed Skyworks merger?
No. Qorvo’s acquisition of Active-Semi was a completed 2019 transaction. Qorvo’s later proposed merger with Skyworks is separate and does not alter the history or terms of the Active-Semi acquisition.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A high-quality amplifier (LNA) module that operates on a very wide range of frequencies: from 300MHz to 8GHz. Provides a boost to weak signals, extending the reception range and improving overall signal strength
- Engineered to deliver exceptional performance at S and C frequency bands; offering significantly higher gain, a lower noise figure, reduced power consumption, and improved linearity for superior reception quality compared to competitive LNAs. Designed for professional and amateur radio enthusiasts, astronomy enthusiasts, wireless communication enthusiasts, and more
- A variety of power options are available, including BiasTee (3.3V-5V), USB-C, or DC power with the included USB-C to DC barrel connector adapter, in order to maximize flexibility. A maximum current requirement of 65mA ensures compatibility with nearly all BiasTee configurations
- Simple installation and compatibility with popular SDR (Software Defined Radio) models, including NESDR SMArt RTL-SDR and HackRF. Also serves as an excellent companion to the Ham It Down series of downconverters. A free male SMA to male SMA connector, USB-C power cable, and USB-C to DC barrel connector are included with your purchase. LaNA WB is assembled and housed in an aluminum enclosure, ensuring optimal performance
Rank #4
- Frequency Amplification: LNA low noise high flatness amplifier can be used for radio frequency amplification or reception. Gain up to 20DB.
- : LNA low noise high flatness amplifier covers a wide range of frequencies and can achieve .
- Current And Output Interface: High flatness amplifier's current is less than 80ma and the output interface is SMA female, input and output impedance is 50 ohm.
- Aluminum Alloy: LNA high flatness amplifier is made of aluminum alloy with excellent workmanship and robust.
- Wide Use: Low noise high flatness amplifier can be used for receiver, receiving system such as FM radio, receiver, etc, electromagnetic compatibility receiving system and software radio.
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