The 2.4-GHz, 50-Ω SST12LF09 RF front-end module (FEM) developed by Microchip targets Bluetooth, WLAN, and 256-QAM Wi-Fi applications. It integrates a transmitter power amplifier, receiver low-noise amplifier (LNA), and low-loss, single-pole three-throw antenna switch for Bluetooth connectivity into a 2.5- by 2.5- by 0.4-mm, 16-pin QFN package.
Linear output power reaches 15 and 17 dBm for 1.8% dynamic error vector magnitude (EVM) at 3.3 and 5 V, respectively; and 17 and 18.5 dBm linear power for 3% EVM at 3.3 and 5 V, respectively. Microchip claims such high output power will extend the range of WLAN systems while providing good transmit power at a maximized 256-QAM data rate.
The receiver features 12-dB gain and a greater than −6 dBm input (1 dB) compression level. In LNA bypass mode, the receiver has a 9-dB loss and an 8-dBm input compression level. This FEM also features an easy-to-use, 50-Ω on-chip input and output match.