Date: 30/09/2009

2-bit Digital Step Attenuator for 4G LTE applications

Peregrine Semiconductor has unveiled a new PE43204 2-bit UltraCMOS Digital Step Attenuator (DSA) device. PE43204 is suggested as an ideal device for 4G Tx/Rx applications such as cellular base stations and remote radio heads where such an attenuator is required to adjust the power level. In receiver applications PE43204 protects the receive path and prevents overdriving the A/D converter.

The new PE43204 DSA delivers 18 dB attenuation range in 6 dB and 12dB steps. Without any gate lag or phase drift PE43204 delivers 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 over a wide operating frequency range of DC - 3GHz. Peregrine says, 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."

At 3V supply voltage; the PE43204 DSA consumes a power supply current of 8µA typical. This device features a parallel control interface programming logic and low insertion loss of 0.6 dB typical. PE43204 offers ESD tolerance of 2.0 kV HBM.

Package: 12-lead 3x3x0.85 mm QFN package
Availability: Now
Price: Each $0.70 for 50K units