Avago Technologies Complete GPS RF Front End Module with FBAR Filters Simplifies GPS Designs

(Top News, 26 Nov 2008)

Avago Technologies has launched ALM-1712, a highly integrated GPS low noise amplifier (LNA) that integrates a sophisticated GPS LNA and two FBAR filters—enabling a complete, compact and high-performance GPS RF front end module that simplifies the design of a wide range of GPS applications.

Avago's ALM-1712 delivers very low noise figures, high linearity and superior out-of-band rejection performance. By integrating a GPS LNA with pre and post high-rejection FBAR (film bulk acoustic resonator) filters, the ALM-1712 simplifies and shortens the RF design process, reduces component count and provides excellent RF performance levels that are critical in the use of GPS applications.

Housed in a miniature 4.5x2.2x1mm MCOB package, the ALM-1712 reduces PCB space by more than 50 percent when compared to a discreet-only solution. The integration of FBAR filtering enables the ALM-1712 to reach more than 85dBc of cell/PCS-band rejection levels. Additionally, the ALM-1712 effectively leverages Avago's 0.5µm GaAs enhancement-mode pHEMT process to deliver a 1.7dB noise figure, 13.5dB gain, and 5dBm IIP3 (input third order intercept point) at typical operating condition of 2.7V and 8mA. At low voltages down to 1.8V, the module can still achieve very low noise figure and high linearity, which makes it very suitable for use in low-power GPS applications.

The ALM-1712 is designed for the 1.575GHz frequency band, targeting handset GPS, recreational and in-vehicle GPS receiver and GPS antenna applications.

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