23 April 2011

Avago adds four high-linearity LNAs

Avago Technologies has launched four low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) to extend the RF performance and diversity of its LNA portfolio. The new modules feature high linearity that improves an application’s ability to distinguish between desired signals and spurious signals received close together. The MGA-6x606 LNAs target WiFi and WiMAX data cards, handsets and other portable devices, while the two-stage MGA-13x16 LNAs target GSM, CDMA and W-CDMA cellular infrastructure applications such as base-station radio cards.

Available in 2.0mm x 1.3mm SMT packages, the new monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) LNAs leverage Avago’s proprietary 0.25µm GaAs enhancement-mode pHEMT process to achieve low noise figures and high linearity in both LNA and bypass modes.

The 1.5–3.0GHz MGA-64606 and 2.5–4.0GHz MGA-65606 have switchable shutdown and bypass functionality that enables them to be bypassed during periods of high input signal power, reducing current consumption to less than 100µA and conserving battery life in portable devices. The MGA-64606 addresses GPS, WiMAX, WLAN, WiBro and DMB and other applications, while the MGA-65606 addresses WiMAX, wireless local loop and other applications.

For cellular infrastructure manufacturers, minimizing the count of radio components is a key concern, particularly at the receiving side after the antenna, says Avago. The 0.4–1.5GHz MGA-13116 LNA and 1.5-2.5 GHz MGA-13216 LNA enable usage of a single LNA (in a 4.0mm x 4.0mm x 0.85mm 16-lead QFN package) instead of the two components normally required, while still delivering low noise with good input return loss, high linearity and high gain. The MGA-13116 exhibits 0.51dB noise figure and 38dB gain at 0.9GHz, and the MGA-13216 exhibits 0.61dB noise figure and 35.8dB gain at 1.95GHz. The firm says that designers can achieve optimum performance with minimum matching at the input, output and the inter-stage between the two LNAs.

The MGA-64606 and MGA-65606 LNAs are priced at $0.73 each in 10,000-piece quantities, and the MGA-13116 and MGA-13216 LNAs are priced at $2.50 each in 10,000-piece quantities.

Tags: Avago LNAs

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