Avago launches two new series of low-noise amplifiers

Avago Technologies announced an expansion of its
high-performance portfolio of RF and microwave components for cellular
infrastructure applications with two new series of low-noise amplifiers.
 

 
Featuring best-in-class noise performance and high
linearity, the new
 MGA-63xP8 LNAs and ALM-11×36 fail-safe bypass LNA modules deliver improved receiver
sensitivity for base transceiver stations (BTS) and tower mounted amplifiers
(TMA) applications.
 
 
The MGA-63xP8 devices and ALM-11×36 modules expand
the Avago market-leading LNA portfolio for BTS applications, which leverage the
company’s proprietary 0.25 µm GaAs Enhancement-mode pHEMT process to deliver
low noise figure and high linearity. As opposed to a broadband approach, Avago
 offers
series of LNAs with each device optimized for superior end performance at
specific frequency operation ranges. Both new LNA series exemplify this
philosophy. Reflecting the portfolio’s emphasis on integration, the ALM-11×36
modules can replace large discrete and surface-mount component counts in
conventional designs, shortening design cycle time and providing board space
savings.
 
 
These two new LNA series, along with the other
high-performance products we have introduced leading up to IMS 2011,
demonstrate our commitment to extend our leading LNA portfolio for the wireless
infrastructure market and raise the bar for noise figure and overall
performance, we continue to work with our customers to develop
highly-integrated solutions that streamline the design process and help them to
keep up with continuously evolving cellular standards,” said James Wilson,
senior director of marketing for wireless products at Avago.
 
Avago is exhibiting its complete RF and Microwave
portfolio for cellular infrastructure applications at IMS 2011 in booth number
1602 at the Baltimore Convention Center from June 7-9. In addition to LNAs, the
broad range of solutions in the portfolio includes Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator
(FBAR) filters, gain blocks, driver amplifiers, and WaferCap amplifiers and
detectors, as well as modules that integrate multiple technologies.
Additionally, Avago is presenting live demonstrations of its recently announced
 AFEM-S257 RF front-end module (FEM) for WiMAX coexistence in
mobile handset or portable PC applications.
 
 
The high-linearity MGA-63xP8 LNA series integrates
active bias circuitry and a power down function, simplifying design by
eliminating the need for external discrete components to perform the same
functions. The series offers high-gain performance consistent across 700-2600
MHz, with the
 MGA-636P8 device operating from 450-1500MHz, while theMGA-637P8 and MGA-638P8 operate from 1500-2500 MHz and 2500-4000 MHz,
respectively. The series thus supports all major cellular bands for GSM, CDMA
and UMTS, as well as the next-generation LTE bands.
 
The ALM-11×36 LNA modules are equipped with a
fail-safe bypass function, which is especially critical for TMA applications to
enable the LNA bidirectional bypass path during the absence of DC power supply.
Their superior bypass isolation eliminates the possibility of oscillation
issues, and the modules also feature low bypass insertion loss and high input
and output return loss.
 
The wireless infrastructure industry must provide
optimum coverage with the best signal quality in a crowded spectrum. Receiver
sensitivity is the most critical requirement in a BTS receiver’s design, and
LNA selection greatly affects the receiver’s performance. For front-end design
architectures with a bypass path, low noise figure (NF) and bypass insertion
loss (IL) are the key design goals. Another key design factor is linearity,
which affects the receiver’s ability to distinguish between wanted and spurious
signals that are closely spaced.
 
 
By Telecomlead.com Team