Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/9599-rfmd-introduces-variable-gain-amplifiers

RFMD Introduces Variable Gain Amplifiers

May 26, 2010

RF Micro Devices Inc., a leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance radio frequency components and compound semiconductor technologies, announced a new family of high linearity, 6-bit digitally controlled variable gain amplifiers (DVGA). The innovative RFDA family of DVGAs expands RFMD’s portfolio of infrastructure grade components that target the cellular base station, point-to-point and CATV end markets.

RFMD’s RFDA DVGA product family leverages RFMD’s industry leadership in laminate multi-chip modules (MCM) to integrate high linearity amplifiers from multiple technologies with a digital step attenuator (DSA) and an optional serial to parallel converter. RFMD’s DVGA products deliver multi-function features and performance while requiring few external components. As a result, designers of infrastructure transceivers can design radios with smaller size, higher assembly yields and lower cost. RFMD’s DVGA integration path also supports future market trends toward smaller base station sizes, microcells, and remote radio heads for new infrastructure deployments.

The RFDA product family offers a selection of components with gain up to 38 dB, OIP3 up to 43 dBm and a maximum operating frequency up to 4 GHz. The family includes wideband and narrowband versions, covering all 2G, 3G and 4G (LTE and WiMAX) standards for base station frequency bands. The components are suitable for both receiver and transmitter designs and are offered in both parallel and serial interface versions.