NXP Launches Digital Wideband VGAs with High Linearity and Flexible Current Settings

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Both VGAs feature NXP’s unique smart routing lead design, which simplifies PCB placement and reduces the footprint of the device by 25 percent. NXP will showcase the BGA7204 and BGA7210 at IMS2012, the International Microwave Symposium, in Montréal, Canada, June 19-21 (booth 607).

Designed primarily for use in wireless infrastructure equipment, the new VGAs from NXP ensure that the incoming signal is always at optimum strength by compensating for any degradation caused by changes in temperature. By controlling the power level to the power amplifier, the VGAs also help compensate for variations in cell load and the presence of aging infrastructure equipment.

The BGA7204 and BGA7210 devices perform with better power consumption than competitive offerings, with several power-saving features, including a unique power-save mode that can effectively reduce the current consumption in TDD systems up to 45 percent. The BGA7210 also adds flexible current distribution across its two amplifiers, depending on the attenuation state, to save power.

“These are state-of-the-art, industry-leading VGAs that combine low power consumption with signal support across a very wide frequency band, right up to 4 GHz,” said Kees Schetters, director of marketing, wireless infrastructure, NXP Semiconductors. “By enabling easier signal routing connections, reducing footprint, and supporting platforms with multiple frequency ranges, we’re offering an extremely flexible solution that gives our customers a significant competitive advantage in their infrastructure designs.”

Key features:
-Frequency band
-BGA7204 from 400 MHz to 2.8 GHz
-BGA7210 from 700 MHz to 3.8 GHz
-High output power P1dB
-BGA7204 = 21 dBm
-BGA7210 = 21 dBm (23 dBm @ 2.2-2.8 GHz)
-High output third-order intercept, IP3O
-BGA7204 = 38 dBm
-BGA7210 = 39 dBm (35 dBm @ 2.2-2.8 GHz)
-Attenuation range of 31.5 dB, 0.5 dB step size (6 bit)
-Fast switching power-save mode (power down pin)

The BGA7204 and BGA7210 are currently in mass production. Indicative pricing for 1,500 units is $3.30 USD per piece for the BGA7204, and $4.05 USD per piece for the BGA7210.