SiGe Semiconductor Introduces New RF Building Blocks for 802.11n Wi-Fi Products

(Product News, 14 Nov 2007)

SiGe Semiconductor Inc. has released two new power amplifiers that provide manufacturers with the lowest cost route to developing Wi-Fi systems. The SE2537L and SE2581L power amplifiers are RF building blocks that simplify development and reduce cost of discrete Wi-Fi implementations in client access applications including laptop computers, gaming systems, small office and home based access points. When used in combination, the power amplifiers can reduce the system bill of materials by as much as 30% compared to current solutions.

"The SE2537/81L are the perfect complement to our portfolio of front-end modules and power amplifiers, allowing us to address the needs of all Wi-Fi applications," said Jose Harrison, director product marketing, computer and consumer at SiGe Semiconductor. "With the SE2537/81L, we extended the reach of SiGe's popular, low cost SE2527L discrete PA into dual band applications. The IC pair offers features that no other discrete PAs can claim, including CMOS control logic, temperature compensated detectors and one common detector output for both bands, while maintaining industry leading performance at a reduced cost."

The SE2537L is a 5GHz power amplifier and the SE2581L is a 2.4GHz power amplifier. The new RF building blocks incorporate innovative features that simplify design compared to other discrete solutions on the market. The combined solution of SE2537L and SE2581L integrates a digital interface that simplifies board design by eliminating the need for expensive and current hungry analog reference voltages. The integrated power detector in the SE2581L offers an input port for a coupled signal from the 5GHz output line, offering a single detector output for both bands—an industry first for discrete solutions. This feature removes the need for an external coupler, and simplifies the interface to the baseband controller by easing software calibration.

Systems based on the SE2537L and SE2581L will achieve excellent linearity and transmit power levels, capable of +20dBm in 2.5GHz and +19.5dBm at 5GHz, with best-in-class ACPR performance. The SE2581L, which is a feature-enhanced version of SiGe's widely used SE2527L, 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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