SiGe Semiconductor’s SE2559L is an RF front-end module designed to improve integration and reduce cost of Wi-Fi systems compliant to the 802.11b/g specification. The new RF front-end is based on a highly integrated architecture that is about 60% smaller than competitive products. With high feature integration, the SE2559L eliminates several external components, allowing manufacturers to reduce the bill of materials cost for 802.11b/g functionality by about 15%. The small size and low cost make the SE2559L suitable for access points, laptops, PC cards and embedded Wi-Fi applications.

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The SE2559L is the latest addition to SiGe's RangeChargerT product line, and is based on a proven architecture. The device features all the functionality required between the output of the transceiver and the antenna in a compact 4 mm x 5 mm QFN package. This is
about 60% smaller than similar modules and about 85% smaller than discrete solutions, according to SiGe. The SE2559L eliminates external requirements for matching and reference voltages, thereby reducing system cost and simplifying design, test and manufacture, said the maker.

The SE2559L is a complete 802.11b/g WLAN RF front-end module integrating the power amplifier, negative slope power detector, T/R switch, diversity switch and associated matching circuitry. All ports are matched to 50 Ω, which simplifies PCB layout and the interface to the transceiver IC. The integrated power detector features 20 dB of dynamic range and a digital enable control for transmitter power ramp on/off control.

The SE2559L features +18 dBm power output with EVM of 3% while operating in 802.11g mode. All ACPR requirements are met while operating at +21 dBm output power in 802.11b mode. In 802.11g mode, the SE2559L has a low current draw of just 142 mA, operating from a single 3.3 V supply. This is about 25% less than existing solutions. The combination of high power output and low current consumption allows manufacturers to achieve the performance and battery life required of portable Wi-Fi applications. In production now, it is priced at $0.90 in 100k unit quantities. SiGe is also offering the SE2558L, which is identical to the SE2559L, with a positive slope power detector.