USA – Avago Technologies has announced the availability of its next-generation high-gain GPS low noise amplifier (LNA) with integrated filter. Under typical operating conditions of 2.7V and 6mA, Avago claims its highly integrated ALM-1612 LNA/filter module delivers exceptional performance levels, including a 0.9dB noise figure, 18dB gain, +2dBm input third order intercept point and more than 65dBc of cell/PCS-band rejection. Designed for the 1.575GHz frequency band, the ALM-1612 targets GPS handset, recreational, in-vehicle navigation and antenna markets.
Packaged in a 3.3mm x 2.1mm x 1mm miniature MCOB package, the ALM-1612 is integrated with FBAR filter, which according to Avago is for superior rejection at cell/PCS band frequencies—particularly critical for simultaneous GPS operation in handsets and other mobile applications. The ALM-1612 provides a CMOS-compatible shutdown pin to turn the LNA on/off or to adjust the variable current. A built-in shunt indicator at the RF input pin of the LNA enhances its ESD protection. Leveraging the company’s innovative 0.25µm enhancement-mode pHEMT fabrication technology, Avago’s ALM-1612 can also operate at low voltages of 1.8V and still achieve very low noise figures and high gain, making it suitable for use in low-power GPS applications, such as handsets and portable GPS navigation devices.
The full integration of Avago’s GPS LNA with its FBAR filter in a very small package can help reduce PCB board space and component count.
This enables product designers to create smaller, more compact GPS products or add more features and functionalities on the device to support new applications.
