SiGe Semiconductor Power Amplifier for Mobile WiMAX

The device optimizes performance and delivers extremely high stability over the full temperature range, enabling manufacturers to support broadband wireless multimedia services in products for mobile computing applications without compromise to battery life. It is ideal for use in battery-powered applications, including USB accessories, PC cards, and embedded cards for laptop computers.



The SE7262L is SiGe Semiconductor's newest power amplifier (PA) for mobile WiMAX, a wireless broadband access technology that maximizes the use of available bandwidth to allow for higher data rates over longer distances. The technology complements WiFi and cellular technologies to allow truly ubiquitous wireless implementations of multimedia applications, high definition video, and voice and data services. The market for mobile WiMAX terminals is expected to grow significantly over the next five years, as infrastructure and services are rolled out worldwide.





The new PA delivers more than 20% efficiency at +25.5 dBm output power while operating at 3.3V, which is the highest performance available while meeting worldwide spectral mask requirements. The combination of high output power, high linearity, exceptional efficiency and unequalled stability over temperature will enable systems that require low current for increased battery life and provide extremely reliable wireless link performance.



We have worked closely with our customers to develop this product, and early customer feedback confirms that the SE7262L meets spectral mask requirements while achieving industry leading output power and high power-added efficiency, said Sanjiv Shah, director, product marketing WiMAX and embedded products, at SiGe Semiconductor. The SE7262L will allow our customers to support mobile WiMAX capability with the highest performance but without degradation of battery life.



Before the SE7262L, available mobile WiMAX PAs often needed an increase in supply voltage in order to achieve higher output power. This approach required additional voltage regulation, which, in turn, increases power consumption and cost to the system bill of materials. With the SE7262L, designers do not need this additional circuitry and voltage regulation.



The SE7262L PA offers high levels of integration, featuring an on-chip power detector, step attenuator, and harmonic filter all in a compact 4x4x0.9mm package. This high level of integration provides unequalled system performance and reduces overall footprint and bill of materials cost. The SE7262L offers industry-leading stability over temperature across the full temperature range of -40 to +85C, and it is fully input and output matched.