Peregrine Semiconductor Delivers Best-in-Class 2-bit Digital Step Attenuator for 4G LTE Applications

The new PE43204 DSA delivers high linearity over temperature and frequency, and is capable of an
18 dB attenuation range in 6 dB and 12dB steps. Additionally, taking advantage of Peregrine’s HaRP™ technology, the PE43204 demonstrates no gate lag or phase drift, which delivers exceptionally fast settling time and an Input IP3 > +61 dBm at 3GHz. The PE43204 features a typical switching time of 26ns with attenuation accuracy of +0.2dB across a wide operating range of DC – 3GHz. This is a four-fold improvement compared to GaAs-based alternatives, which have switching speeds of up to 130nS.

“Leading LTE equipment manufacturers turned to Peregrine to solve their gain control needs for a high linearity, fast switching and settling time DSA which is critical to protecting the receive path in LTE base stations,” said Mark Schrepferman, director of communication and industrial products for Peregrine Semiconductor. “Peregrine’s new PE43204 DSA leverages the patented UltraCMOS and HaRP technologies to deliver these benefits for reliable and more accurate performance, while also pushing the limits on integration and low power consumption, making it ideal for manufacturers striving to meet the requirements of the LTE specification.”

An additional benefit to next-generation communication systems is low current consumption. The PE43204 DSA is biased from a 3V supply with power supply current of 8μA typical. The device also features parallel control interface programming logic and low insertion loss of 0.6 dB typical. As with all UltraCMOS silicon-on-sapphire RFICs, the new DSA offers exceptional low-frequency performance, superior noise immunity and outstanding ESD tolerance of 2.0 kV HBM.

The PE43204, offered in the ultra-compact 12-lead 3x3x0.85 mm QFN package, is available now in volume priced at $0.70 (50K units). Evaluation kits are available to qualified customers.