Avago Technologies Launches its ‘First’ Fully Integrated Broadband Miniature Variable Attenuator Module for Wireless Infrastructure Applications

(Product News, 17 Jul 2009)

Avago Technologies, a supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications, has announced a new fully matched wideband variable attenuator module for use in a wide range of broadband system applications. The ALM-38140, which is a 50MHz to 4 GHz PIN diode attenuator module, is a fully integrated solution that uses Avago’s low distortion silicon PIN diodes housed in a miniature 3.8 mm by 3.8 mm by 1.0 mm multiple-chip-on board (MCOB) package with 6-pin configuration pads. This module is ideal for use wireless infrastructure applications such as CATV, WCDMA, VSAT, WiMAX and cellular base station applications.

Designed with broadband input and output match, Avago’s ALM-38140 does not require any external RF matching component to operate. Additionally, narrow band performance enhancement can be easily achieved by applying a single external inductor. The ALM-38140 also features high power handling capabilities (P1dB>30dBm @ 1,900 MHz), great linearity performance (IIP3: 60 dBm @ 1,900 MHz) and superior dynamic range (35 dB @ 1,900 MHz). With broadband coverage, this miniature variable attenuator module is ideal for use in automatic gain control (AGC) and temperature compensation circuitry applications which operate within the 50 – 4,000 MHz frequency range.