Avago Technologies Introduces Market's First WiMAX Coexistence Front-End Module for Simplified Design of Mobile Electronics

Avago Technologies has announced a complete RF front-end module (FEM) for WiMAX radios in mobile handset or portable PC applications. The new AFEM-S257 module is designed specifically for coexistence operation of WiMAX with other cellular and WiFi radios in the same device. The module features two receive ports and a single transmit port in a small 5 by 7 by 1 mm package that is ideal for space-constrained mobile applications in the 2.5 to 2.7 GHz frequency range – providing up to 25 percent space savings over discrete WiMAX solutions.

The AFEM-S257 module integrates multiple high-performance technologies to reduce PCB board footprint, while simplifying design and manufacturing and shortening time to market. Utilizing Avago proprietary 0.25-µm GaAs enhancement-mode pHEMT process and leading-edge Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator (FBAR) filtering technologies, the module delivers superior performance across voltage and temperature levels. FBAR technology delivers steep roll-off and low insertion loss, resulting in extended battery life and talk time and better signal quality. With high noise rejection of 35 dBc, the module enables fewer interference issues between IEEE 802.16 WiMAX and other radios. The AFEM-S257 module achieves 24 dBm of WiMAX-compliant output power, while maintaining an error vector magnitude (EVM) of 2.5 percent at 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).

Avago will have a live demonstration of the AFEM-S257 module, and will exhibit its complete RF and Microwave portfolio, at the 2011 IEEE Microwave Theory & Techniques Society International Microwave Symposium in booth number 1602 at the Baltimore Convention Center from June 7-9.

“The AFEM-S257 front-end module provides a complete, compact solution that can be easily and quickly designed in to mobile WiMAX applications, which is demonstrated in the top three reference designs addressing this market,” said James Wilson, senior director of marketing for wireless products at Avago. “With Avago FBAR filtering technology delivering unparalleled out-of-band rejection, the module offers the performance major smartphone makers demand.”