Date: 01/02/2011

GPS LNAs from Maxim offer low 0.75dB noise figure

Maxim Integrated Products has introduces the MAX2686/MAX2688, low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) designed for GPS-enabled applications operating in the 1575MHz band. Packaged in a 0.86mm x 0.86mm, 0.4mm-pitch wafer-level package (WLP) with four pins the MAX2686/MAX2688 require two external components to complete the board-level design (plus an optional resistor for logic-enabled shutdown). These LNAs are ideal for GPS L1, Galileo, and GLONASS applications like cellular phones, portable navigational devices (PNDs), and module customers who want to improve GPS receive sensitivity.

The MAX2686/MAX2688 feature impressive 0.75dB noise figure and draws low 4mA (typ) operating supply current. When the LNAs are not in use, an optional logic-enabled shutdown mode reduces supply current to less than 1µA. For customers who wish to ensure a higher level of receive performance in the face of in-band and out-of-band blockers, the high-linearity MAX2688 provides approximately 6dBm better in-band and out-of-band IIP3 for a mere 4.0mA extra supply current.

Pin-compatible versions are in development that offer variable levels of performance based on gain, current consumption, and linearity. An integrated LDO option will also be available to enable direct operation off of VBATT.

The MAX2686/MAX2688 operate from a 1.6V to 3.3V supply, and are fully specified over the -40°C to +85°C extended temperature range.

Price: Each $0.50 (1000-up, FOB USA).

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