Tiny Power Amp Offers Independent Transmit Paths

Claimed as the industry's smallest dual-band power amplifier, the MAAPSS0011 RF device provides two independent transmit paths in a compact 4 mm x 4 mm plastic micro lead-frame package. The device is designed for use in high volume cellular GSM and DCS wireless handsets and features a power-down mode to conserve battery power when the handset is not transmitting. Both three-stage PA paths run on a single 3V to 3.5V supply. The GSM path provides an output power of 35.5 dBm at 55% efficiency and the DCS path provides 34 dBm at 50% efficiency. The device incorporates drive and bias elements and advanced GaAs HBT power transistors. Pricing is less than $2.99 each/100,000.