Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/2364-integrated-circuits

INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

June 1, 1998

INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

Nonvolatile FPGA
The model RH1020 nonvolatile, radiation-hardened field-programmable gate array (FPGA) (part of the company’s RadHard product line) offers short time-to-launch in the commercial satellite market. The model is based on the company’s antifuse architecture that survives exposure to a maximum total dose of 300 KRAD (Si) with guaranteed latch-up immunity and low single-event upset susceptibility. The device is supported by the company’s Designer Series (version 3.1.1 or later) development tools as well as a variety of third-party synthesis and design entry software packages. The FPGA is available in an 84-pin CQFP package.
Actel Corp.,
Sunnyvale, CA
(408) 739-1010.

5 V/860 MHz MMIC
The model ACU50751 single-supply, 860 MHz GaAs upconverter MMIC is designed as a high performance, dual-conversion tuner that operates at 5 V (or 3.5 V with slightly reduced performance), resulting in less power dissipation. The MMIC is compatible with all digital and analog modulation types and with the Multimedia Cable Network System interoperability standard. The unit accepts TV signals in the 50 to 860 MHz range and converts them to an IF in the 900 to 1200 MHz range. The upconverter’s Gilbert cell double-balanced mixer minimizes both second-order distortion and LO and RF leakage. An internal image filter used to reduce mixer noise also is incorporated. The IC features an onboard LO with low phase noise and a tuning range of 950 to 2060 MHz. The phase splitter offers a 180° phase shift over the full range of oscillator frequencies. Power consumption is 600 mW (typ), distortion is better than –60 dBc for composite second order and triple beat, and –62 dBc for cross modulation. In addition, noise figure is 6.5 dB (typ), gain is 8 dB and flatness is 1 dB over the 50 to 860 MHz frequency range. Price: $3.10 (10,000).
ANADIGICS Inc.,
Warren, NJ
(908) 668-5000.

Hardware Monitor IC
The model LM80 tightly integrated monolithic data acquisition system increases the reliability of PC systems by continuously checking key analog functions, including temperature, voltage and fan speed, and many key digital system signatures. The IC provides information technology managers with the capability to set hazard-warning limits via WATCHDOG registers. During error conditions, the IC generates interrupts based on user-defined and programmed system limits for key parameters and communicates early-failure warnings via the I2C interface. The highly integrated unit includes an 8-bit plus sine Delta-Sigma A/D converter for high noise immunity in any microprocessor environment. Additional features include +/-3°C temperature accuracy (–10° to 125°C), three interrupt modes (default, one time and comparator), a temperature resolution of +/-0.5°C, a supply voltage range from 2.80 to 5.75 V, seven voltage-monitoring analog inputs and two user-programmable inputs for fan speeds ranging from 1100 to 8800 rpm. Price: $4 (1000) in a 24-lead TSSOP.
National Semiconductor Corp.,
Santa Clara, CA
(408) 721-5000.

Single-chip Baseband Controllers
The ABC-Pro series next-generation, single-chip baseband controllers are designed for use in Digital European Cordless Telephone (DECT) handsets and base stations. Fabricated in a 0.35 mm low voltage, low power CMOS process and featuring advanced activity control that powers down unused areas of the chip, the chips extend standby times by a factor of 5 to 10. The reduced power consumption and improved battery functions allow DECT handsets to operate for weeks between recharging or to be fitted with smaller and lighter two-cell battery packs. The models PCD50912 (for handsets) and PCD50922 (for base stations) are connected to analog telephone lines. The units feature an embedded 80C51-compatible microcontroller that achieves greater than 2 MIPS performance at 14 MHz. The controllers are packaged in 80-lead, low profile quad flat packs.
Philips Semiconductors,
Sunnyvale, CA
(800) 447-1500, ext. 1542.

Micropower Boost DC/DC Converter
The model LT1316 micropower boost DC/DC converter is supplied in an MSOP package that operates from an input voltage as low as 1.5 V and has a quiescent current of 33 mA. Peak switch current is user programmable from 30 to 500 mA by selecting an inexpensive standard-value external resistor, which reduces the peak inductor current and eases battery drain. In shutdown mode, current drops to 3 mA. These features make the converter suitable for two- to four-cell battery-powered devices requiring boost or SEPIC configurations and the longest possible battery operating lifetime. The programmable peak switch current limit feature also allows smaller-sized capacitors and inductors to be used in low current applications. The unit has a 30 V switch voltage, which is useful in liquid crystal display bias applications that require a 28 V bias supply. The converter is available in commercial and industrial temperature range versions in eight-lead MSOP and SO packages. Price: starts at $3.40 (1000).
Linear Technology Corp.,
Milpitas, CA
(408) 432-1900.

Frequency Synthesizer
The model PSA-2025 frequency synthesizer is designed for PCS and wireless applications from 1900 to 2100 MHz. The surface-mount synthesizer operates from either a 3 or 5 V supply while drawing a low 25 mA at 3 V or 46 mA at 5 V. The 0.94" x 0.94" x 0.23" device has a spurious suppression better than –60 dBc and second-harmonic suppression better than –20 dBc. Phase noise is –86 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz and –112 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset. The synthesizers are low cost in high volumes and have an adjustable step size of 1000 kHz.
Princeton Electronic Systems Inc. (PES),
Princeton, NJ
(609) 275-6500.

Plastic-packaged Power Amplifiers
These ultra-small plastic quad packages replace more expensive ceramic metal-based packages for several power amplifiers, including the models RMPA 1600 (1.6 GHz), RMPA 2000 (2 GHz) and RMPA 2450 (2.4 to 2.5 GHz). The plastic packaging saves space and can be biased for linear (class AB) or high efficiency (class F) digital applications. The units have output power capabilities greater than 1 W. In addition, the packages are internally and fully matched to a 50 W system.
Raytheon Co.,
Lexington, MA
(781) 860-2414.