MACOM launches first product in range of wideband, ultra-low-phase-noise amplifier

MACOM Technology Solutions Inc (which makes semiconductors, components and subassemblies for RF, microwave, millimeter-wave and lightwave applications) has unveiled the first entries in its new portfolio of wideband, ultra-low-phase-noise amplifiers.

Available in 2.8mm x 1.73mm x 0.1mm bare-die and 5mm x 5mm, 32-lead AQFN-packaged formats, the MAAL-011151 is suitable for use as a low-phase-noise amplifier stage for signal generation applications spanning system designs targeting test & measurement (T&M), electronic warfare (EW), electronic counter-measures (ECM) and radar.

Phase noise is a critical specification in defining the frequency stability of a signal source, with significant implications for receiver sensitivity performance. The MAAL-011151 minimizes phase-noise contribution in providing LO signal gain, enhancing spectral integrity for T&M and communications systems, target acquisition for radar, and aerospace & defense (A&D) applications.

The MAAL-011151 provides 16dB of linear gain across the 2-18GHz frequency band, and 17.5dBm of output power at 1dB gain compression point (P1dB) and 5dB of noise figure at 10GHz with input and outputs that are fully matched to 50Ω and DC blocked. Amplifier control is available through the use of a control circuit or by direct bias injection. The MAAL-011151 is fabricated using a low-phase-noise heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) process that features full passivation for enhanced reliability.

“With the introduction of MACOM’s new MAAL-011151 ultra-low-phase-noise amplifiers, we’re investing in a growing portfolio of signal-generation components that encompasses high-performance comb generators, mixers and more,” says Graham Board, senior director of product marketing. “As we expand this portfolio to include additional discrete amplifiers covering additional frequencies, and integrated low-phase-noise LO modules, system designers will benefit from seamless device compatibility and exceptional performance across the signal chain,” he adds.

MAAL-011151 ultra-low-phase-noise amplifiers are now sampling to customers in bare-die and packaged formats.

Tags: M/A-COM

Visit: www.macom.com