Austin, Tex.—Freescale Semiconductor entered the gallium arsenide (GaAs) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) sector with the launch of four devices aimed at macro base stations, repeaters and femtocells employed in wireless networks.

The devices address low-noise amplifiers and transmit power amplifiers— two elements of wireless infrastructure equipment for which extremely high RF performance is critical. The devices are also designed for low power consumption, resulting in optimized energy efficiency and long-term reliability.

The MML09211H is an enhancement-mode pHEMT MMIC low-noise amplifier intended for applications ranging from W-CDMA base stations in the 865 - 960 MHz band to the high-data rate networks currently being implemented in the 728 - 768 MHz band. The device offers a low noise figure of 0.6 dB including circuit losses, and supports operation from 400 to 1400 MHz. Small-signal gain is 20 dB at 900 MHz, P1dB output power is 21 dBm, isolation is - 35 dB, and third order output intercept point (IP3) is 32 dBm at 900 MHz.

The MMA20312B is a two-stage InGaP HBT power amplifier designed for use in wireless base stations as well as repeaters and femtocells. Specifically, for femtocells this device enables high energy efficiency while meeting linearity requirements. The amplifier covers 1800 to 2200 MHz, delivers P1dB output power of 31 dBm at 2140 MHz and small-signal gain of 26 dB.

The two other new broadband MMIC amplifiers are equally suited for use as driver amplifiers in the transmit chain or as second-stage low-noise amplifiers in the receive chain. They exhibit excellent linearity with lower current consumption than typical HBT solutions. The MMG15241H is a pHEMT device that covers 500 to 2800 MHz, with a noise figure of 1.6 dB at 2140 MHz, P1dB output power of 24 dBm, IP3 of 39 dBm, and small-signal gain of 15 dB. The MMG20271H low-noise amplifier covers 1500 to 2400 MHz, with a noise figure of 1.8 dB at 2140 MHz, P1dB output power of 27 dBm, IP3 of 42 dBm, and small-signal gain of 15 dB.

Pricing: Approximately $1 each.
Availability: Planned for limited sampling by June 2010 and general sampling by August 2010.

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Oh, my Jordan!