Avago Technologies, a supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications, announced the expansion of its market leading ultra low-noise GPS front-end modules for mobile GPS applications. The ALM-2712 integrates pre- and post-high rejection FBAR filters to provide superior performance. This integrated FBAR filter provides low insertion loss in GPS band frequencies and exceptional out of band rejection at cellular, DCS/PCS and WLAN band frequencies, making it an ideal device for use in simultaneous GPS (S-GPS), voice and data operations in today’s mobile handsets.

S-GPS and other location-based GPS services used in mobile handsets require a high level of receiver sensitivity. Avago’s ALM-2712 delivers a very low noise figure and high linearity performance that helps to significantly improve the sensitivity of the GPS receivers. By integrating the low noise amplifier (LNA), pre- and post high-rejection FBAR filters, and other RF matching components into the module, the ALM-2712 does not require any external RF matching components. As a result, it helps customers to simplify the design process, and reduce board space and component count in their applications. Moreover, the ALM-2712 has a built-in shunt inductor at the RF input pin to enhance ESD production, which allows the device to survive more than 3 kV of Human Body Model (HBM) ESD charge at the RF input pin.

Avago’s ALM-2712 GPS module is housed in a miniature 3.0 by 2.5 by 1.0 mm MCOB package and is ideal for use in space constrained applications. At a typical operating condition of 2.7 V and 7.5 mA, this GPS front-end module effectively leverages Avago’s 0.25 µm GaAs enhancement-mode PHEMT process and its leading-edge proprietary FBAR filtering technologies, to deliver a 1.26 dB noise figure, 14.2 dB gain, and + 5 dBm input third-order intercept point (IIP3) and 89 dBc/80 dBc/72 dBc of out of band rejection at cellular, DCS/PCS and WLAN band frequencies. These features combine to make the ALM-2712 an ideal solution to help enhance the performance of the GPS receivers used in mobile handsets and other GPS applications.