News

5 October 2010

 

Anadigics launches highly efficient and linear PA for WiMAX CPE and small-cell infrastructure

Responding to demand from service providers to expand the footprint of high-performance wireless broadband, Anadigics Inc of Warren, NJ, USA has made available engineering samples of the AWB7221 power amplifier (PA) for use in WiMAX customer premises equipment (CPE) and small-cell infrastructure solutions, claiming that it is the most power-efficient PA available for WiMAX CPEs, as well as enabling cost-efficient femtocells for 3G and 4G networks.

Manufactured using InGaP HBT MMIC technology, the AWB7221’s high linear transmit power (up to +28dBm of linear WiMAX power with exceptionally low EVM) enables CPEs with a powerful uplink that supports wide, high-data-rate network coverage. What is claimed to be excellent power-added efficiency (17.5% at rated output power) reduces the overall power consumption of a CPE or femtocell, leading to a reduction in system cooling requirements and less costly designs. Anadigics says that the AWB7221 enhances network performance in key global WiMAX markets such as North America, Japan and Korea, and also supports new LTE or TD-LTE networks in the 2.3–2.7GHz frequency bands. The AWB7221 also incorporates RF matching networks optimized for output power, efficiency and linearity in a 50Ω system.

“A growing consumer appetite for enhanced wireless broadband applications is creating more demand for customer premises and small-cell infrastructure equipment that delivers faster data speeds over greater distances,” says Joe Cozzarelli, senior director, Broadband RF product line. “Our AWB7221 PA provides a practical and effective way for service providers to answer this demand, and to continue to roll out 4G to a broader market,” he adds.

WiMAX CPEs provide an alternative to DSL and cable modems, and also play a key role in the transition to 4G, by offering consumers high-speed wireless connectivity for their homes, shops or businesses. According to industry organization WiMAX Forum, nearly 600 WiMAX (fixed and mobile) networks have been deployed in 149 countries, with network coverage forecasted to be available to 800 million potential subscribers worldwide by the end of this year.

As WiMAX and other 4G networks continue to deploy worldwide, and 3G service providers seek to enhance their network coverage, the demands for small-cell base stations such as femtocells and picocells will grow tremendously, says Anadigics. Industry analyst In-Stat asserts that that small-cell base stations are “vital to 4G deployment”, forecasting that femtocell revenue will rise at an 83% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next four years, and that the number of carrier-installed metropolitan picocells will increase at a 378% CAGR over the same period.

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