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PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

RF Micro Devices - GaAs pHEMT LNA

High-performance device for cable set-top box and digital TV tuner applications

RF Micro Devices announced the release of the CXE-1089Z GaAs pHEMT LNA for use in cable set-top box and digital television (DTV) applications. The CXE-1089Z is optimized for both low noise figure and low current consumption in order to best satisfy the increasing performance requirements of next-generation, higher-bandwidth devices.

The CXE-1089Z features RFMD's patented active bias circuitry, which stabilizes bias current across changes in threshold voltage related to temperature and process variation, thereby reducing current consumption. The GaAs pHEMT LNA also utilizes a Darlington configuration with an optional external bias control, which further reduces current consumption -- and lowers the thermal profile of the end product -- while maintaining linear RF performance optimized for each application.

Unlike competing devices focused on a single performance parameter, the CXE-1089Z delivers a optimized blend of low noise figure, low multi-carrier distortion and low current consumption, said Alastair Upton, general manager of RFMD's Broadband and Consumer Business Unit. This unique blend of performance combined with our ability to deliver a broad portfolio of CATV products were key elements to RFMD's recent design win at a leading set-top box and tuner module OEM with the CXE-1089Z.

Features of the CXE-1089Z include:

Single 5 V supply operation
Noise Figure of 2.8 dB typical
CTB of -79 dBc and CSO of -66 dBc at 110 channels, +15 dBmV/channel at the input
Gain response of 13dB +/- 0.4dB over 50 to 1000 MHz
Input return loss of greater than 18 dB

The CXE-1089Z is housed in a compact SOT-89 package, and samples are available immediately. Based on design win activity RFMD(R) anticipates volume shipments of the CXE-1089Z will commence in the current calendar year.