27 June 2011

Microchip adds RF power amplifier modules for embedded WLAN applications

Microchip Technology Inc of Chandler, AZ, USA, a provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, has expanded its RF power amplifier portfolio by adding the SST12LP17E and SST12LP18E modules.

Fabricated from InGaP/GaAs and operating at 2.4GHz, the new devices meet the demands of mobile applications by offering high power-added efficiency to reduce battery current drain, while their low operating voltages further extend battery life, says the firm.

Offered in an 8-pin 2mm x 2mm x 0.45mm QFN package and with 50Ω matching built in, the SST12LP17E is claimed to be the smallest fully matched power amp in its class, requiring no external RF matching components and just one external DC bypass capacitor to achieve optimum performance, hence taking up less board space. The SST12LP17E’s matched input and output ports are easy to use and enable faster time-to-market, it is claimed.

Offered in the same package but with no matching, the SST12LP18E is a lower-cost, lower-voltage alternative to the SST12LP14E power amplifier. It offers the lowest operating voltage of any Microchip RF power amp, while operating at –20ºC to +85ºC. The devices feature operating voltages as low as 2.7V, linear output power as high as 18.5dBm at 2.5% EVM using IEEE 802.11g OFDM 54Mbps, and 23.5dBm for IEEE 802.11b and a high power-added efficiency of up to 38% for IEEE 802.11b.

The amplifiers are suited to embedded WLAN applications where small size, high efficiency and low-battery voltage operation are required, such as in the consumer electronics market, in cell phones, game consoles, printers and tablets. 

“Microchip can now offer customers the same reliable operation over temperature with even lower operating voltages,” says Daniel Chow, VP of Microchip’s Radio Frequency Division. “Combined with high-efficiency operation, these low-operating-voltage devices extend the operating battery life for applications in the consumer electronics industry,” he adds.

The fully matched, low-power SST12LP17E is priced at $0.48 each, in 10,000-unit quantities, while the low-power SST12LP18E is available for $0.29 each, in 10,000-unit quantities. Samples are available, while volume production quantities can be ordered now.

Tags: RF power amplifier

Visit: www.microchip.com