7 June 2011

Skyworks launches low-power LNAs for diverse 1.5–3.GHz wireless markets

Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA, which manufactures high-reliability analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, has launched the first in a series of ultra-low-current, general-purpose low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) for diverse wireless applications including satellite receiver set-top boxes, Bluetooth headsets, medically prescribed hearing aids, advanced meter reading devices, and 2.4GHz wireless local area networks. The firm says that the high-performance LNAs deliver enhanced receiver sensitivity and wide dynamic ranges, facilitating improved signal reception, increased design flexibility and reduced part counts.

“Our new low-noise amplifiers enable Skyworks to enter new markets — driving intense diversification beyond our proven front-end solutions for mobile devices,” says David Stasey, VP of analog components.

Manufactured in a compact (2mm x 2mm), 8-pin dual flat no-lead, restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)-compliant, surface-mount technology package, the SKY67014-396LF is a gallium arsenide (GaAs) pseudomorphic high-electron-mobility transistor (pHEMT) enhancement-mode process LNA with an integrated active bias and on-die stability structures enabling simple external matching and stable performance over temperature.

Skyworks’ enhancement-mode pHEMT process allows the device to offer return loss of 15dB typical, stable gain (12db), low noise (<1dB) and high linearity (+18dBm OIP3) while drawing <6mA of bias current. The SKY67014-396LF offers the designer the ability to externally adjust the supply current to further optimize the amplifier linearity performance for the chosen application. The supply voltage is applied to the RF-OUT/VDD pin through an RF choke inductor and through the VBIAS pin through an external resistor. The supply voltage is adjustable over a range of 1.5–5V.

The device is the first in a series of high performance, low-power LNAs targeting broadband wireless applications. Additional footprint-compatible LNAs for the 100–700MHz and 700–1500MHz bands will be launched later this year.

Skyworks is exhibiting its products in booth 1428 at this week’s IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S) International Microwave Symposium (IMS 2011) in Baltimore, MD, USA (7–9 June).

Tags: Skyworks LNAs GaAs pHEMT

Visit: www.skyworksinc.com