Date: 12/11/2009

GPS front-end module integrates FBAR filter and LNA for mobile handset apps

Avago has introduced the ALM-1912, a high integrated miniature GPS front-end module that combine a film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) filter with a high-gain, low noise amplifier (LNA). The LNA uses Avago's GaAs Enhancement-mode pHEMT process to achieve high gain with low noise figure and high linearity. Noise figure distribution is tightly controlled. The ALM-1912 GPS front-end module is suitable for mobile handsets, personal navigation devices (PND) and other GPS-enabled applications.

In ALM-1912 a CMOS-compatible shutdown pin is included either for turning the LNA on/off or for current adjustment. The filter use Avago's FBAR filter for low GPS band insertion loss and exceptional rejection at Cellular, PCS and WLAN band frequencies.

The key features of the ALM-1912 GPS front-end module are,

Typical 1.62 dB of low noise figure
Exceptional Cell/PCS/WLAN-Band rejection
Low external component count
Fully-matched at RF input and RF output
Shutdown current of < 1 uA
CMOS compatible shutdown pin
2.9 x 2.0 x 0.95 mm size
Adjustable bias current via single external resistor/voltage
Built-in shunt inductor enhances ESD protection
Advanced GaAs E-pHEMT and FBAR technology

Additionally, this GPS front-end module leverages Avago's 0.25 µm GaAs enhancement-mode pHEMT process to deliver a 1.62 dB noise figure, 19.3 dB gain, and +1.5 dBm input third order intercept point (IIP3) and more than 50 dBc of out of band rejection at typical operating conditions of 2.7V and 6 mA.

The ALM-1912 has a built-in shunt inductor at the RF input pin to enhance ESD production, which allows the device to survive more than 3kV of Human Body Model (HBM) ESD charge at the RF input pin. By integrating a GPS LNA with pre- and post high-rejection FBAR filters, the ALM-1912 simplifies and shortens the RF design process, reduces component count, and provides high RF performance levels that are critical in GPS applications.

Package: Miniature 2.9x2.0x1.0 mm MCOB package
Price: Each $1.31 for 10k pieces
Availability: Now

For more details visit www.avagotech.com

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