SiGe Semiconductor Launches Industry's Most Integrated RF Front-End Module for 802.11n Wi-Fi Products

(Product News, 11 Oct 2007)

SiGe Semiconductor Inc. has released what it claims to be the industry's most integrated RF front-end module for Wi-Fi products designed to comply with the IEEE 802.11n specification. The SE2593A provides a complete 2.4GHz and 5GHz WLAN multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) RF solution including all of the circuitry required between the transceiver and the antennas. The device delivers optimal performance for supporting high-bandwidth wireless multimedia services while enhancing size, system-level cost and manufacturability.

"The new SE2593A provides the optimal solution to customers aiming to capitalize on the growing market for high-bandwidth wireless services," said Jose Harrison, Director Product Marketing, Computer and Consumer at SiGe Semiconductor. "Our new module is easy to implement, and provides integration, performance and flexibility that surpasses any other solution on the market. These benefits allow manufacturers to get their products to market quickly while also ensuring an optimal end-user experience."

SiGe Semiconductor's new SE2593A features 2.4GHz and 5GHz power amplifiers and low noise amplifiers, power detector, transmit and receive switch, diplexers and associated matching in a miniature land grid array package that measures just 5x6x1mm. The new front-end module replaces up to 20 components which would be required to implement a discrete 1x1 MIMO solution. The small size allows multiple modules to create 2 transmit by 2 receive (2x2), 3x3 or 4x4 MIMO designs in support of higher bandwidth for streaming video applications, while accommodating shrinking form factors.

The SE2593A is the smallest commercially available MIMO front-end to integrate a dual-band LNA—improving total system noise figure, and enhancing range and throughput to ensure better overall system performance. Eliminating the need for external LNAs also reduces system bill of material, and simplifies design, test and manufacture.

The SE2593A features the highest transmit power levels in the market, including +19dBm in 2.5GHz and +16dBm at 5GHz. The device also includes an integrated power detector with 20dB of dynamic range. The high performance optimizes transmission of higher data rates over longer distances, thereby allowing systems to support emerging 802.11n applications such as video distribution, video streaming and high-speed data.

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