- 17 March 2006 -

Avago Technologies E-pHEMT PA MMIC addresses mobile WLANs

Avago Technologies has introduced an E-pHEMT power amplifier specifically designed for IEEE 802.11b/g mobile WLANs. The MGA-412P8 features high linear output power at the industry's lowest operating current with a shutdown function to conserve battery power, and is supplied in a tiny 2 mm x 2 mm LPCC package.

"The industry-best, power-added efficiency of our proprietary E-pHEMT power technology has allowed Avago to develop the first low-current, high linearity power amplifier available in the 802.11b/g market," said Bryan Ingram, vice president and general manager of Avago Technologies' Wireless Semiconductor Division. "The device saves significant battery power and reduces board space, which is critical for handheld WLAN products."

Avago's MGA-412P8 power amplifier is perfect for portable WLAN applications such as PDAs and mobile handsets, digital cameras, printers and print servers. It is also suitable for use as a power amplifier for RFID transmitters, Bluetooth and other applications in the license-free 2.4 GHz ISM band.

At 2.452 GHz and 3.3 V bias, the MGA-412P8 provides 25.5dB gain as well as +19dBm linear power output with IEEE 802.11g OFDM modulation at a 54 Mbps data rate, and 3% EVM while consuming only 95 mA current. For 802.11b CCK at 11 Mbps the MGA-412P8 provides +23dBm linear Pout at only 200 mA current. Typical reverse isolation is greater than 40dB, and typical quiescent current only 40 mA.

Other features include integrated power detector and power-down functions, and operation from a single +3.3 V supply. During shutdown, the power amplifier draws only 5 microamps typical. The MGA-412P8 is supplied in the compact, industry-standard 2.0 mm x 2.0 mm x 0.75 mm, 8-pad JEDEC DRP-N LPCC leadless plastic chip carrier -- the smallest package used for 802.11 power amplifiers. The package's lead-free backside metalization provides excellent thermal dissipation as well as visual evidence of solder reflow.

The MGA-412P8 is priced at less than $0.73 each in moderate volumes, and is available now through Avago's direct sales channel and worldwide distribution partners.

Web: http://www.avagotech.com/rf