Axiom Microdevices Inc.’s newest patented GSM/GPRS quad-band power amplifier AX502 exploits 0.13 µm CMOS process technology to integrate a  full quad-band PA on a single chip. The manufacturer said that what was previously achieved with ICs fabricated in proprietary gallium-arsenide (GaAs) process technology and assembled in complex multi-chip module packaging is now available on a single CMOS die.

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According to Axiom Microdevices, the use of 0.13 µm CMOS process enables the company to integrate all of the functions between transmitter output and transmit/receive switch. Thus, the power gain stages, small signal control circuitry and 50 Ω matching are all realized on a single die.

The AX502 amplifies low-level RF signals to the required high-power levels needed for transmission in GSM/GPRS mobile phone handsets or data modules. The device supports quad-band (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) operation. The integrated 50 Ω input and output matching circuitry enables direct connection to the transceiver output and the transmit/receive switch input without the use of the external matching components. The power level is regulated via a fully integrated closed-loop power controller, which ensures that the GSM power/time mask and switching spectrum may be met with adequate margin to allow robust mass production when subjected to a real-world cell phone environment, such as highly elevated VSWR and low supply voltage.