RF Micro Devices Inc of Greensboro, NC, USA has unveiled its first power doubler amplifier in a multi-chip module to support the requirements of the new data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) 3.1.
RFMD says that its new gallium nitride (GaN)-based RFCM3316 allows cable operators and MSOs (multiple systems operators) to easily upgrade existing CATV infrastructure to meet the power amplifier requirements of the new DOCSIS 3.1 standard, increasing effective downstream data rates from 160Mb/s to 10Gb/s and upstream data rates from 120Mb/s to 1Gb/s compared to DOCSIS 3.0. The firm says that, due to the high output and gain benefits derived from the GaN-based RFCM3316, cable operators can upgrade their existing equipment within current locations, saving on both installation time and cost, as well as extending the life of existing networks.
The RFCM3316 is a drop-in replacement to its predecessor, the RFCM2680, combining a small footprint with adjustable current consumption. "Early customer feedback has been positive, and we look forward to supporting them as they roll out new DOCSIS 3.1-compliant products beginning in early 2014," says Norm Hilgendorf, president of RFMD's Multi-Market Products Group.
The RFCM3316 operates from 40MHz to 1200MHz and provides a high output level of 60dBmV under a 1.2GHz channel loading with <10-10 BER (bit error ratio) and 42dB MER (modulation error ratio) and -80dB CTB (composite triple beat) and -80dB CSO (composite second order) distortion products. The modular, surface-mount device saves about 50% in board space compared to traditional SOT115J packages, while maintaining linearity and ruggedness, says RFMD. Due to the efficient nature of the GaN process, the product can also operate at 20% less current than GaAs-based products at a comparable distortion level.
The RFCM3316 is sampling with key customers, and volume production is expected to begin in first-quarter 2014.
RFCM3316 is the newest addition to RFMD's differential amplifier family developed for CATV transmission, which includes power doublers and push-pull amplifiers. RFMD is showcasing its CATV component portfolio in booth #1362 at the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo in Atlanta, Georgia (22-24 October).
