To provide compact, cost-effective solutions to developers involved with Wi-Fi products based on the latest IEEE 802.11n specification, SiGe Semiconductor, Inc. has readied an integrated RF front-end module. The SE2593A provides a complete 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WLAN multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) RF solution that includes all of the circuitry required between the transceiver and the antennas.

The IEEE 802.11n specification is a fast growing segment of the Wi-Fi market. Products equipped with 802.11n feature enhanced range and throughput of wireless transmission while maintaining backward compatibility to the enormous worldwide installed base of WLAN infrastructure. The higher throughput allows WLAN products to support traditional voice and data applications while also meeting increased consumer demand for streaming video applications.

“The new SE2593A provides the optimal solution to customers aiming to capitalize on the growing market for high-bandwidth wireless services,” said Jose Harrison, director product marketing, computer and consumer at SiGe Semiconductor. “Our new module is easy to implement and provides integration, performance and flexibility that surpasses any other solution on the market.”

It features 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz power amplifiers and low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), power detector, transmit and receive (T/R) switch, diplexers and associated matching, as well as bandpass filters for both a and b/g bands prior to the input of each 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz power amplifiers. It is housed in a miniature land grid array (LGA) package that measures just 5 mm x 6 mm x 1 mm. The new front-end module replaces up to 20 components that would be required to implement a discrete 1 x 1 MIMO solution. The small size allows multiple modules to create 2 transmit by 2 receive (2 x 2), 3 x 3 or 4 x 4 MIMO designs in support of higher bandwidth for streaming video applications, while accommodating shrinking form factors.

In addition, it offers high transmit power levels of +19 dBm at 2.5 GHz and +16 dBm at 5 GHz, and best-in-class ACPR performance. The device also includes an integrated power detector with 20 dB of dynamic range. The high performance optimizes transmission of higher data rates over longer distances, thereby allowing systems to support emerging 802.11n applications such as video distribution, video streaming and high-speed data, said the manufacturer.

All RF ports are matched to 50 Ohms to simplify PCB layout and the interface to the transceiver RFIC. The module is fully tested for ease of design and optimal yields. It is being sampled to lead customers now and is priced at $4.25 in 10k quantities.

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