MMIC Power Amps Target LMDS Designs

TriQuint Semiconductor (Hillsboro, OR) has introduced four MMIC power amplifiers covering the 19 to 41 GHz frequency band. By operating across these frequencies, the new MMICs, dubbed the TGA1073A, B, C, and G, are well suited for millimeter-wave designs, such as local multipoint distribution service (LMDS) and point-to-point radio systems.

The four MMIC amplifiers are fabricated on TriQuint's 0.25-µm gate-length power pHEMT process. According to TriQuint, this pHEMT process delivers high-frequency device performance comparable to levels associated with 0.15-µm gate length designs.

The TGA1073A is a three-stage amplifier providing 300 mW output power and 19 dB of small signal gain. Its frequency coverage of 26 to 34 GHz makes it suitable for both terrestrial digital radio and Ka-band satellite communication (satcom) applications.

The three-stage, TGA1073B spans the 27 to 32 GHz frequency band with an output power level of 700 mW. This device offers a small signal gain level of 25 dB and is suitable for those digital radio and satcom applications requiring high power.

The TGA1073C addresses higher frequency (37 to 41 GHz) designs and is particularly appropriate for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint applications operating at 38 GHz. This IC exhibits 400 mW of output power with 16 dB of small signal gain.

The G-version (TGA1073G) rounds out the new family of power amplifiers. This device works across the 19 to 27 GHz range, providing 300 mW output power and 22 dB small signal gain.

All four devices may be operated in drain bias voltages between +5 and +7 VDC. They are offered in chip form. Bond pads and backside metalization is gold plated for comparability with eutectic alloy attachment methods as well as with thermocompression and thermosonic wire-bonding processes.

Pricing ranges from $30 to $64 in 1,000 piece quantities. For more information, contact TriQuint at 972-994-8575.