6 June 2011

RFMD launches highly linear monolithic voltage-controlled attenuators

RF Micro Devices Inc of Greensboro, NC, USA has launched the RFSA2013 and RFSA2023 voltage-controlled attenuators (VCAs), which operate from 5V and 3V supplies, respectively, cover a wideband frequency range of 50 –4000MHz and satisfy a wide range of applications across end markets.

The fully monolithic VCAs have linearity with a third-order intercept point of more than 50dBm over a 30dB gain control range. The devices incorporate a new circuit architecture that provides what is claimed to be industry-leading overall performance in linearity, attenuation range, DC current and bandwidth, as well as a linear attenuation profile versus control voltage. The VCAs also employ internal temperature compensation to provide a stable attenuation profile over an operating temperature range from –40ºC to +85ºC.

RFMD claims that competing VCAs, typically using PIN diodes, have poor attenuation over temperature and a nonlinear attenuation profile versus control voltage. To correct such performance shortcomings, they require further off-chip calibration and correction circuitry, which consumes valuable board space, adds cost and requires additional DC power. RFMD says that, by comparison, its products provide a complete monolithic solution in a small 3mm x 3mm QFN package.

“RFMD’s new attenuator products help customers significantly reduce cost by lowering the overall component count and reducing power consumption for the attenuator application,” claims John Pelose, general manager of RFMD’s Wireless Products business unit., adding that they can not only lower overall system cost but increase end-product performance.

RFMD is exhibiting the new components in booth 1402 at this week’s IEEE international Microwave Symposium (IMS 2011) in Baltimore, MD, USA (6–8 June).

Tags: RFMD Monolithic voltage-controlled attenuators

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