HBT Power Amp Seeks Use In 5- To 6-GHz WLANs

Optimized for 802.11a, HiperLAN2, and U-NII systems, the LX5503 two-stage power amplifier targets the 5.15 to 5.85 GHz, medium-gain requirements found in NICs, mini PCI cards and WLAN access points. The amplifier is fabricated using an InGaP/GaAs HBT RF process and features single 3.3V supply operation, active bias, I/O pre-matching, and a micro-lead package measuring 3-mm square x 0.9 mm high. Quiescent current at 5.25 GHz is approximately 100 mA and current consumption is less than 200 mA. Power gain is about 22 dB at an orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) output power level of 18 dBm, and EVM is less than 4% at full 64 QAM and 54 Mb/s. Temperature variation of gain is less than 2 dB over a -40°C to 85°C temperature range. Price is less than $3 each/10K. MICROSEMI CORP., Irvine, CA. (949) 221-7101.