3 June 2013

GigOptix demos high E-band power amplifier with enhanced P1dB, P3dB and reduced power consumption

GigOptix Inc of San Jose, CA, USA (a fabless supplier of analog semiconductor and optical communications components enabling high-speed end-to-end information streaming over optical fiber and wireless networks) says that it has demonstrated a new high E-band second-generation power amplifier device, the EXP8603, with enhanced P1dB and P3dB (Psat performance) and reduced power consumption in laboratory testing with respect to its first-generation EXP8602 device.

The EXP8603 provides saturated output power at 3dB gain compression (P3dB) of 24dBm and an output power at 1dB gain compression point (P1dB) of 23dBm across the full bandwidth of 81-86GHz with a total gain of 18dB. The device also has an integrated output power detector with a dynamic range of more than 20dB. The improved P1dB and P3dB performance has been achieved while simultaneously decreasing power consumption by more than 10% and maintaining the gain. The EXP8603 also demonstrated an output intercept point (OIP3) above 31dBm across the full frequency range of 81-86GHz.

“The outstanding performance of the GigOptix EXP8603 power amplifier, coupled with the previously released EXP7603 power amplifier, provide an excellent solution for the next generation of E-band point-to-point transceivers,” reckons chief technical officer Andrea Betti-Berutto. “The E-band power amplifiers that we have developed demonstrate GigOptix’s technology and innovation leadership in the point-to-point wireless backhaul market,” he adds. “These high-performance amplifiers also reinforce our ability to rapidly engineer and deliver new products to this fast-growing market segment.”

GigOptix provides several existing power amplifiers (PAs) for E-band operation (each including an on-chip power detector):

• EXP7602, a 71-76GHz power amplifier with 22dB gain and P1dB of 24dBm;
• EXP7603, a 71-76GHz power amplifier with 17dB gain and P1dB of 25dBm;
• EXP8602, a 81-86GHz power amplifier with 18dB gain and P1dB of 21.5dBm; and
• EXP8603, a 81-86GHz power amplifier with 18dB gain and P1dB of 23dBm.

GigOptix has also developed SiGe transmitter chips that, when combined with the EXP7602/3 and EXP8602/3, provide two-chip E-band transmission solutions:

• low E-band transmitter: EXU7610 highly integrated SiGe up-converter + EXP7602/3 PA; and
• high E-band transmitter: EXU8610: highly integrated SiGe up-converter + EXP8602/3 PA.

The EXU7610/8610 highly integrated SiGe transmitter chips are expected to be available for sampling at the end of June. The combined two-chip E-band transmitter solution has a small form factor for use in a variety of applications.

GigOptix provides additional solutions for low E-band including: the EXO8602ZZ Lange Coupler, and the EXE8602 power detector. GigOptix also provides highly integrated EXD7610/8610 down-converter SiGe chips for E-band receivers.

GigOptix is exhibiting this week in booth 2507 at the 2013 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS) in Seattle, WA, USA (4-6 June).

Tags: GigOptix

Visit: www.gigoptix.com