RF front-end module complies with 802.11n spec

SiGe Semiconductor Inc. today announced what it is calling the world's most integrated RF front-end module for Wi-Fi products designed to comply with the IEEE 802.11n specification.

The SE2593A is designed to provide a complete 2.4GHz and 5GHz WLAN multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) RF solution including all of the circuitry required between the transceiver and the antennas. The device is optimised for high-bandwidth, wireless multimedia services as well as size, cost and manufacturability.

SiGe Semiconductor's SE2593A features 2.4GHz and 5GHz power amplifiers and low noise amplifiers, power detector, transmit and receive switch, diplexers and associated matching in a miniature land grid array package that measures 5mm x 6mm x 1mm. The new front-end module replaces up to 20 components which would be required to implement a discrete 1x1 MIMO solution. Multiple modules can be used to create 2 transmit by 2 receive (2x2), 3x3 or 4x4 MIMO designs in support of higher bandwidth for streaming video applications.

The SE2593A demonstrates 19dBm transmit power at 2.5GHz and 16dBm at 5GHz, at best-in-class ACPR performance. The device also includes an integrated power detector with 20dB of dynamic range. The device is well suited for transmission of higher data rates over longer distances, thus allowing systems to support emerging 802.11n applications such as video distribution, video streaming and high-speed data.

All RF ports are matched to 50Ω.The module is fully tested for ease of design and optimal yields. The SE2593A is sampling and shipping in volume now, priced at Rs.171.91 ($4.25) in 10,000 unit quantities.

- Janine Love
RF Designline