RF Amplifiers Set Size Benchmark

Heralded as the smallest RF amplifiers to date, the VMMK-2x03 family debuts in miniature 0402 packages measuring 1mm x 0.5 mm x .25 mm with no wirebonds, optimized for 500-MHz to 12-GHz applications. The devices also boast of significantly better performance over conventional amplifiers with almost no signal loss and minimal parasitics. Supporting full surface-mount capability, they require no special tooling for assembly and all I/Os route to the backside of the wafer through via-holes. The family includes the VMMK-2103 (0.5 to 6 GHz broadband matched LNA with bypass/shutdown mode using a single control pin), VMMK-2203 (1 to 10 GHz broadband matched LNA with a gain of 15 dB at 5 GHz), VMMK-2303 (0.5 to 6 GHz low-voltage broadband matched LNA supporting 1.8V to 3.3V), VMMK-2403 (2 to 4 GHz high-linearity matched amplifier with 2.5 dB NF), and the VMMK-2503 (1 to 12 GHz broadband high-linearity matched gain block with flat gain performance up to 8 GHz). Generally available in the fourth quarter, pricing is less than $1 each in volume. AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES, San Jose, CA. (800) 235-0312.