In booth #930 at the IEEE MTT International Microwave Symposium (IMS 2013) in Seattle (4-6 June), M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc of Lowell, MA, USA (which makes analog semiconductors, components and subassemblies) has launched a broadband variable gain amplifier (VGA) for multi-market applications.
The MAAM-011100 is designed as a versatile, broadband, low-cost and ultra-small VGA for WiFi, WiMax, IMS, point-to-point, test & measurement, electronic warfare (EW) and aerospace & defense applications. The device is packaged in a convenient plastic 1.5mm x 1.2mm six-lead TDFN while still providing superior broadband performance over competing alternatives, it is claimed. The single gain-control pin and ultra-small size provides real-estate-constrained users with an easy, low-cost solution for a variety of applications, the firm adds.
The MAAM-011100 is fabricated using a gallium arsenide process that features full passivation for increased performance and reliability. The amplifier has a typical gain-control range of 30dB with +13dBm of P1dB performance. The input and output are fully matched to 50Ω with a typical return loss of -12dB. The device is typically biased with a single +5V drain voltage (Vd) for standard operation over the 4–20GHz frequency band, providing a multi-purpose solution.
