News | August 23, 2010

Microsemi Introduces WLAN Power Amplifier For Handsets And Wireless Modules

Source: Microsemi Corporation

Irvine, CA -- Microsemi Corporation announced the LX5514M power amplifier (PA) in a compact package that matches the industry's smallest 1.5x1.5mm, 0.4mm-high footprint.

Microsemi's LX5514M power amplifier supports IEEE 802.11b/g/n WLAN applications in the 2.4-2.5GHz frequency range. It joins the company's recently introduced LX5553 and LX5543 front-end modules (FEM) to continue its expansion into the fast-growing market for WLAN products used in space-constrained smartphones and other data-enabled cellular handset designs. The device is based on the company's proven LX5514 PA, which has been streamlined to fit into a compact, ultra-low-profile package. Like the LX5514, the LX5514M includes fully matched input, simplified output matching, an integrated power detect function that not only saves board space but also reduces total BOM cost.

"Board area in today's smartphones is at a premium, and designers must squeeze more functionality into ever-smaller real estate," said Paul Pickle, Vice President and General Manager of Microsemi's Analog Mixed Signal Group. "The LX5514M enables designers to add WLAN capability in nearly half the space of the prior generation of 2mmx2mm PAs, and with a much lower profile that enables today's slim, sleek handset designs. Customers get the industry-leading performance and efficiency of our PAs for routers and other networking equipment, in a package optimized for the stringent space requirements of smartphone designs."

Key Features

  • InGaP HBT process technology for optimal performance and linearity
  • 2.4 -- 2.5GHz operation
  • Single-polarity 3.3V supply
  • Quiescent current 80mA
  • POUT=19dBm 3% EVM
  • Power gain 27dB
  • Total current 130mA

Microsemi's broad portfolio of IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN, 802.16e WiMAX and WiBro power amplifiers are used in a variety of applications including wireless access points and half mini-cards for notebooks and netbooks. Reference designs with market-leading WLAN chipset manufacturers are available for many of Microsemi's power amplifiers.

Pricing and Availability

The LX5514M is in volume production and is offered in a RoHS-compliant, 6-pin, 1.5x1.5mm, 0.4mm-high dual flat no lead (DFN) package. Pricing in 10,000-unit quantities is $0.45. Datasheets, application notes, and evaluation kit information are available at Microsemi's website: http://www.microsemi.com.

SOURCE: Microsemi Corporation