“The global demand for faster downloads and more data is driving bandwidths up. Moving to GHz frequencies is the only way to deliver wider pipelines to the handset, desk, home and office. However, RF design in the GHz band is challenging, even for specialist companies with experienced engineering teams,” according to the company. “Delivering high bandwidth to small and portable devices over wireless interfaces requires excellence in RF design. The SµRF range lowers the design barrier.”
The devices are:
- CMX90G301
1.4 – 7.1GHz positive gain-slope amplifier +1dB
Low-power 50 Ω cascadable MMIC gain block - CMX90G302
1.4 – 7.1GHz positive gain-slope amplifier +2dB
Low-power 50 Ω cascadable MMIC gain block - CMX90A702 – coming soon
28GHz medium power amplifier, 5G Band n257 - CMX90A703 – coming soon
28GHz GaN Doherty power amplifier, 5G Band n257 - CMX90A003
1W 860 – 960MHz power amplifier
two-stage, fully matched MMIC delivering +29.5dBm of saturated power for 860 – 960MHz license-free bands - CMX90A004
2W 860 – 960MHz power amplifier
two-stage, fully matched MMIC delivering +32.5dBm of saturated power for 860 – 960MHz license-free bands
Taking the CMX90G301 as an example, it uses GaAs pHEMTs and has output P1dB of +11.5dBm at 3.5GHz and a positive gain-slope of +1dB across the band, “eliminating the need for equalisation and compensates for increasing system losses with frequency”, said CML.
Input and output are both 50Ω matched and internal active biasing allows it to operate over a 2.7 to 5V supply range, typically drawing 20mA. It has a small signal gain of 14.5 – 15.5dB and a noise figure of 2dB.
Its enable pin is 1.8V logic compatible, and it works up to 105°C.
Packaging is 3 x 3mm VQFN-16 .
Also under the SµRF umbrella are two existing products:
- CMX901 broadband RF power amplifier
three stage high-gain and high efficiency for use in VHF and UHF frequency bands up to 950MHz. - CMX902 broadband RF power amplifier
three stage high-gain and high efficiency for use in VHF and UHF frequency bands up to 700MHz.
“These benefits include excellent RF performance, matched input-output impedances and standard ic packaging for easier circuit and pcb design and manufacture,” said CML. “The products will be supported by simple-to-use low-cost evaluation tools.”
Potential applications are just about everywhere by the company. Its list includes: virtual and augmented reality, high-definition imaging, high-performance computing and the connected car, then in long-range data links such as smart grid, 5G pico-cells, fixed-line broadband, global broadband networks and satellite communications.