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24 February 2009

 

Anadigics launches worldwide WiMAX 4G PA for 2.3-2.7GHz

At last week’s 2009 GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, Anadigics Inc of Warren, NJ, USA launched the AWM6424, a worldwide WiMAX 4G power amplifier (PA) operating across the 2.3-2.7GHz frequency range. Adopting the same package footprint and pin-out as the existing AWM6422 and AWM6423 WiMAX PAs, the new device’s wideband capability simplifies the design of broadband mobile wireless equipment intended to operate in multiple international destinations, says the firm.

Designed to support the current IEEE 802.16 and future 4G mobile wireless standards, the AWM6424 provides a highly linear and power-efficient solution for mobile subscriber products that connect to broadband wireless services in South Korea and Malaysia (the 2.3-2.4GHz spectrum) and the US, Taiwan, Russia and Japan (the 2.5-2.7GHz band). It complies with recommended ETSI and WiMAX Forum spectrum mask limits at +23.5dBm output power when powered by a 3.3V supply. Under these operating conditions, power efficiency exceeds 20%. An increase in supply voltage up to 4.2V produces an increase in the maximum linear output power, supporting systems that require slightly higher subscriber transmit power levels.

The AWM6424 includes an integrated 25dB step attenuator, output power detector, and input and output RF impedance matching circuits in a 4.5mm x 4.5mm x 1.0mm low-profile module, minimizing board layout space and enabling RF front-end solutions for size-constrained applications.

“With commercial WiMAX services now available in two major US cities, and further roll-outs expected in 2009 across other parts of North America, Taiwan and Japan, it’s clear that there will be a mounting demand for high-performance WiMAX power amplifiers,” says Glenn Eswein, director of product marketing for Broadband Business. “The wideband performance and integrated features of the AWM6424 simplify radio designs, accelerate product development cycles, and enable equipment manufacturers to reduce external component costs and minimize inventories,” he claims.

Anadigics samples small form-factor linear EDGE PA module

Anadigics has also made available samples of its new AWE6157 quad-band linear EDGE power amplifier (PA) module for 3G wireless handsets and equipment.

The AWE6157 is designed to meet requirements for GMSK and linear EDGE modes in multi-mode devices, in a 5mm x 5mm package that is 30% smaller than typical EDGE PA modules. The module includes separate amplifier chains for GSM850/900 and for DCS/PCS band operation: each amplifier chain is optimized for efficiency, power, gain, and linearity. An integrated power control scheme makes production calibration faster and easier, and a multi-function CMOS controller integrates several functions designed to drive performance including: voltage tracking for 3GPP compliance at low battery voltage conditions; analog power control for GMSK mode; digital bias control for EDGE mode; a regulated voltage supply; and a DAC RC filter for analog power control.

“The AWE6157 is a highly integrated solution for EDGE and WCDMA/HSPA phones and data devices which incorporate linear EDGE chipset architecture,” says EDGE product line director Joe DeMoura. “The smaller package and integrated functionality simplify RF design and board layout, while also assuring spec-compliant performance under extremes of low battery voltage,” he adds.

“Due to the migration of 2G networks to 2.5G and 3G technologies, EDGE power amplifiers represent a large segment of the wireless power amplifier market,” says Dr Ali Khatibzadeh, senior VP & general manager of Wireless Products. “Several 2.5G/3G chipset vendors employ linear front-end architecture for their solutions, and AWE6157 presents them with an optimized solution in terms of performance, size and flexibility,” he claims.

The AWE6157 is manufactured using Anadigics’ proprietary InGaP-Plus technology, and is consistent with the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS).

Search: Anadigics WiMAX 4G PA EDGE PA InGaP

Visit: www.anadigics.com

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