SiGe Semiconductor's Power Amplifier Reduces System-level Cost, Optimizes Wi-Fi System Performance

(Product News, 21 Apr 2007)

SiGe Semiconductor recently released its SE2582L power amplifier, which is based on an integrated architecture that boosts power efficiency, reduces system-level cost and optimizes performance of Wi-Fi systems. The new power amplifier is ideal for access points, laptops, PC cards and embedded Wi-Fi applications.

The SE2582L is based on a proven, award-winning architecture that features a high-performance power detector, all matching circuitry, and digital enable control in a compact 3x3mm QFN package. The device provides high performance and integration while still maintaining a low quiescent current. This allows product designers to achieve even more efficiency while transmitting at lower output powers. The highly integrated architecture eliminates external requirements for matching and reference voltages, thereby reducing system bill of materials cost by about 10 percent and board space by 43 percent.

The device operates in the 2.4GHz frequency band, able to support all of the requirements for 802.11b/g applications. Lead customers are pairing two SE2582L devices together to support multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) 802.11n operation. The higher throughput of 802.11n will allow manufacturers to support consumer applications that go beyond data and internet to high definition video and media distribution.

The SE2582L delivers +17.5dBm output power at an error vector magnitude (EVM) of 3 percent using 105mA while operating in 802.11g mode. All ACPR requirements are met while operating at +20dBm output power in 802.11b mode. The device features low quiescent current of 48mA allowing increased efficiency at reduced power levels. The low power consumption allows multiple power amplifiers to be integrated without impacting battery life, thus allowing higher data rates to be supported in Cardbus or PCI-Express applications, or mobile appliances including cellular phones and PDAs.

The SE2582L includes a temperature controlled power detector featuring 20dB of dynamic range and digital enable control for transmitter power ramp on/off control. This functionality allows for a seamless interface with CMOS transceivers, without the use of external logic or reference voltages.

Click here for more information