17 March 2014

MACOM launches highest-power, full E-band MMIC power amplifier

M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc of Lowell, MA, USA (which makes semiconductors, components and subassemblies for analog, RF, microwave and millimeter-wave applications) has launched what it claims is the industry’s highest-power, full E-band power amplifier, delivering typical saturated power output (Psat) of 25.5dBm for the 71-76GHz and 81-86GHz frequency ranges in a single product.

Optimized to enable fiber-caliber data rates over long distances across 10GHz of available E-band spectrum, the new E-band power amplifiers equip designers of point-to-point transceivers to maximize design flexibility by eliminating the requirement for two different amplifiers to be used to cover the full 71-86GHz E-band frequency band.

The MAAP-011106 E-band power amplifier is suitable for small-cell wireless backhaul infrastructure, enabling data rates of 1Gbps and higher to accommodate surging data demand, particularly in densely populated metro environments. Providing what is claimed to be the highest output power for high-frequency E-band operation, the new amplifier offers a broad bandwidth and can reduce transceiver design and manufacturing costs via the consolidation of PAs within compact, multi-band systems, claims MACOM.

The E-band power amplifier includes an integrated power detector and supports 20dB of small-signal gain with variable gain control for flexible performance tuning. The output 3rd-order intercept point (OIP3) is 30dBm, and the output and input match is 15dB. Each device is RF tested to ensure performance compliance, and is fabricated using an efficient pHEMT process.

“MACOM’s MMIC design expertise and decades-long innovation in point to point wireless backhaul technology has distinguished us as a leading supplier of power amplifiers across every frequency band,” says David Richardson, product line director, Wireless, MACOM. “With the introduction of our E-band power amplifier, we’re making it easier for transceiver designers to achieve high linear power and gain control over the full E-band spectrum, while including the convenience and performance of an integrated output power detector.”

The new MAAP-011106 E-band power amplifiers are available for immediate delivery to qualified customers.

See related items:

Northrop Grumman launches 71-76GHz and 81-86GHz GaAs E-band high-power MMICs

GigOptix demos high E-band power amplifier with enhanced P1dB, P3dB and reduced power consumption

Tags: M/A-COM E-band MMICs

Visit: www.macomtech.com