Exploiting enhancement-mode pseudomorphic high-electron-mobility transistor (E-PHEMT) and monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC)technologies, Agilent Technologies has optimized a medium-power amplifier for use as a driver in wireless fixed-access points/base stations operating at up to 10 GHz. Such applications include IEEE 802.11a wireless local-area-networks (WLANs)in the 5 GHz UNII (unlicensed national information infrastructure) band, 802.11g and 802.11b WLANs operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM (industrial, scientific and medical) band, 2.4 and 5.8 GHz cordless phones and wireless local loops (WLL).

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The MGA-425P8, from Agilent's Semiconductor Products Group, meets WLAN linearity requirements while drawing one of the lowest currents in the market. The "smart bias" feature allows the designer to use the device in several circuit positions, tailoring the gain, linearity and current consumption to suit each position. The amplifier is supplied in the compact,industry-standard 2.0 mm x 2.0 mm x 0.75 mm 8-pad JEDEC DRP-N LPCC for reduced board space. The package's lead-free backside metallization provides excellent thermal dissipation as well as visual evidence of solder reflow.

In addition, the MGA-425P8 offers performance characteristics at 5.25 GHz, 3V, 58 mA operation. These include:

• 13.3 dBm Pout at 5 percent EVM (error vector magnitude)
• 10.3 percent PAE (power-added efficiency)
• 20.3 dBm P1dB (power output at 1 dB gain compression)
• 32.9 dBm OIP3 (third-order output intercept point)
• 16 dB gain

On-chip bias circuitry allows operation from a single 3.3 V power supply. One external resistor is used to set the bias current, and the "smart bias" function allows the linearity (OIP3) to be adjusted from 20 to 35 dBm by changing a single external resistor. The output of the amplifier provides less than 2:1 VSWR (voltage standing-wave ratio) at 50 Ohm (4.9 to 5.8 GHz). The MGA-425P8 is priced at $1.73 each in 5500 to 14,499-piece quantities and is available now through Agilent's direct sales channel and worldwide distribution partners.