RF amplifier extends ultra-high data-rate WLAN range

The device also provides 25dBm linear power at 3% EVM with only 350mA current consumption for 802.11g/n applications. This significantly extends the range of 802.11b/g/n WLAN and MIMO systems while consuming extremely low current at the maximum 256-QAM data rate. It is spectrum mask compliant up to 28dBm for 802.11b/g communications.

WiFi MIMO access-point, router and set-top-box system designers require the maximum data rate and longest range with the minimum current consumption. Enabling multi-channel and higher data rate WLAN systems, the SST12CP21 has a low operating current of 320mA at 23dBm and 350mA at 25dBm. The power amplifier also features 50Ω on-chip input match and simple output match, reducing board size. An integrated linear power detector provides accurate output power control over temperature and 2-to-1 output mismatch.

Supplied in a small 3x3x0.55mm, 16-pin QFN package, the SST12CP21 2.4GHz 256-QAM RF high-power amplifier is available now for sampling and in volume production. Microchip also offers evaluation boards for the SST12CP21 power amplifiers.