RF amps deliver high gain, linearity

Freescale Semiconductor has unveiled four general-purpose broadband RF amplifiers that deliver high gain and linearity over bandwidths from DC up to 6GHz. The amplifiers are well suited for applications ranging from WiMAX base stations to meter readers, set-top boxes, RFID readers and any application requiring a cost-effective, small-signal gain source.

These next generation indium gallium phosphide (InGaP) devices, MMG3014N, MMG3016N, MMH3111N and MMG3015N are Freescale's first to feature active biasing technology. Active biasing reduces performance variation due to temperature and supply voltage variations and provides ease-of-use for system designers.

"The addition of these devices strengthens our portfolio and allows designers to meet a greater variety of system and market requirements," said Gavin Woods, vice president and general manager, RF Division, Freescale Semiconductor. "Customers using these amplifiers will benefit from Freescale's worldwide technical support and our ability to deliver large volumes consistently."

The third-order output intercept points (IP3) for the devices range from 37dBm to 41dBm, providing the performance required for applications demanding low inter-modulation distortion and wide dynamic range. All four are RoHS compliant and housed in cost-effective plastic SOT-89 packages with a Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) rating of 1 at a 260°C peak package temperature.

The devices feature inherently low thermal resistance and low junction temperatures for higher reliability and longer operating life. They operate directly from a single 5V bias supply, eliminating the need for external resistors.

Samples of the MMG3014N and MMG3016N are expected in March 2007 with production planned for May 2007. Samples of the MMH3111N are planned for February 2007 and production is scheduled for June 2007. Freescale expects to be in volume production on the MMG3015N in February 2007.