Microsemi introduces PA for fifth generation Wi-Fi applications

2012-12-12

Microsemi Corp of Aliso Viejo, CA, USA (which designs and makes high-reliability analog and RF devices, mixed-signal integrated circuits, FPGAs and customizable SoCs, and complete subsystems, based on silicon, gallium arsenide and silicon carbide) has introduced a 5GHz LX5509 power amplifier (PA) for IEEE 802.11ac—also known as fifth generation Wi-Fi—wireless access points and media devices.

The LX5509 is the first commercially available PA that can transmit at similar power levels in both IEEE 802.11n and IEEE 802.11ac networks, allowing optimum system performance by extending the high data rate range, says the firm.

"Our new PA is the second in a series of devices we are introducing to accelerate the proliferation of the next-generation Wi-Fi standard," said Amir Asvadi, vice president and general manager of Microsemi's Analog and Mixed Signal group. "We will continue to focus on strengthening our 802.11ac portfolio with industry-leading solutions and partnering with world-class WLAN manufacturers to deliver circuits that provide the highest system performance."

LX5509 features a standardized pin out, which enables customers to, without layout changes, later upgrade the performance level in their systems with higher power 5 GHz PAs that are currently in development at Microsemi.

LX5509 features

• 5 GHz operation;

• Linear output power of 19dBm for IEEE 802.11ac 256-QAM 80MHz, EVM < 1.8% @3.3V;

• Linear output power of 20dBm for IEEE 802.11n 64-QAM 20MHz, EVM < 3% @3.3V;

• 28dB OFDM power gain;

• 50-ohm input and output match, eliminating the need to optimize output matching on PCB;

• Integrated harmonic filter and output detector; and

• Temperature-compensated on-chip output power detector with wide dynamic range.

LX5509 is packaged in a 4 mm x 4 mm quad flat no-lead (QFN) package and is available now for sampling.