The mobile version of the WiMAX broadband wireless technology is beginning to roll out as laptop manufacturers add it to their PCs and as other companies make wireless access points for the home and office. Now, all of these designers have access to a WiMAX power amplifier (PA) thanks to SiGe Semiconductor.
The SE7262L is a 2.5-GHz PA for batterypowered devices. It delivers 28.5 dBm of output power (708 mW) with an efficiency of 20%—not bad for a linear device as required by the orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) used by WiMAX.
A good PA is essential to achieving the best performance, especially to support the forthcoming multimedia services promised by WiMAX providers. This IC’s specs exceed the spectral mask requirements outlined in the IEEE 802.16e standard and the WiMAX Forum’s specifications.
The SE7262L also includes an on-chip power detector, a step attenuator, and a harmonic filter. Full input and output matching is provided, further eliminating some external passives while saving space. The device operates from 3.3 V and comes in a 4- by 4- by 0.9-mm package (see the figure). It operates from –40°C to 85°C. Sampling now, the SE7262L costs $2.85 in 10,000-unit lots.
LOUIS E. FRENZEL
SIGE SEMICONDUCTOR
www.sige.com