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At this week’s IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS 2008) in Atlanta, GA, USA, Avago Technologies announced the availability of samples of a complete dual-band RF 802.11 a/b/g/n front-end module (to be available generally in Q3/2008).

Operating in the 2.4GHz and 4.9-5.9GHz frequency bands, the fully integrated AFEM-9601 multi-function module is compatible with WLAN standards and optimized for MIMO (multiple-in, multiple out) applications where efficiency and high performance levels are critical for transmitting large data files, such as video, over wireless networks.

Housed in a 4mm x 6mm x 1.5mm package using an LTCC substrate, the AFEM-9601 uses Avago’s proprietary GaAs E-pHEMT technology and is fully matched for ease in product design. The module effectively combines all front-end RF functions: dual linear power amplifiers, dual low-noise amplifiers, dual Tx/Rx switches, diplexer, Tx/Rx filtering and direct CMOS-compatible control and detect. Designed for 3V applications, it delivers output power (Pout) of over 17dBm to meet all 802.11 masks. The module also provides an integrated high-directivity detector for load-insensitive, temperature-compensated power detection.

Targeting portable and fixed devices that support IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n WLAN applications, Avago says that it has developed the AFEM-9601 specifically for the challenging specifications of the portable 802.11n MIMO environment. The spec tradeoffs of power, current, EVM (error vector magnitude), noise figure and filtering have been balanced to result in a module that allows spec compliance for WiFi system designers. The firm says that care has been taken to control harmonic emissions and spectral output to be compatible with FCC testing requirements.

“In WiFi designs, implementing MIMO places significant demand on multiple RF chains,” says James Wilson, senior director of marketing for Avago’s wireless semiconductor division. “We’ve designed the AFEM-9601 from the ground up to address these stringent performance requirements and deliver it in a highly integrated package for space-constrained applications.”

Web portal for wireless products & design tools goes live for RF design engineers

Avago Technologies has launched the new microsite as a comprehensive resource center for RF designers constantly faced with time-to market issues and the need to quickly find the right RF solution to shorten design cycles.

Customer requirements, new mobile applications and new industry standards are driving the competitive mobile market to evolve for both handheld products and infrastructure equipment. As a result, there is a growing need for design engineers to quickly understand and implement new RF product designs.

Categorized by application and function, Avago has consolidated all its RF information (ranging from product specs to tools that help with the design of a new product) into one location. The new wireless portal therefore includes product and technology information for Avago’s range of mobile, WLAN, millimeter-wave, RFIC and discrete products. Content includes detailed product information, demo boards, modeling, block diagrams, white papers and webinar information, as well as an ‘Ask the Experts’ section to assist with specific RF design questions.

See related items:

Avago claims first RF CSP solution and world’s smallest RF amplifier

High-linearity 1W and 2W amplifiers for WiMAX and next-generation cellular networks

Avago introduces PAs for WiMAX and next-generation cellular applications

Avago launches LNAs for cellular and WiMAX base-stations

Search: Avago WLAN GaAs

Visit: www.avagotechwireless.com