Date: 29/01/2012

FlatNoise dual IF VGA from IDT for multi-mode 2G/3G/4G

Integrated Device Technology says its newly launched FlatNoise dual intermediate frequency (IF) variable gain amplifier (VGA) for multi-mode 2G/3G/4G wireless base station transceivers is first in the industry. IDT claims the new IDT F1240 and F1241 offer the industry's best noise figure (4 dB) for maximum gain and virtually no degradation when gain is reduced, improving quality-of-service (QoS) and easing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) requirements of the downstream data converter to reduce system cost.

This new technology virtually eliminates noise figure degradation for the critical top 13 dB section of a wide 31 dB gain control range - a stark contrast to other IF VGAs which typically exhibit a dB for dB degradation in noise figure as gain is reduced, according to IDT.

FlatNoise enables designers to downgrade from a 14-bit data converter to a 12-bit data converter with comparable system SNR.

"Our new FlatNoise RF products bring tremendous value to the application and complement IDT's leading timing and RapidIO solutions for base station designs," said Tom Sparkman, vice president and general manager of the Communications Division at IDT. "The F1240 and F1241 feature the industry's best noise figure and lowest power consumption, and join our previously announced F1200 as the industry's first products to offer FlatNoise technology. By improving the signal quality at the VGA, we essentially make it easier for downstream devices to operate. This gives system designers flexibility to use a more cost-effective data converter; for example, using a 12-bit device instead of a 14-bit device."

These new IF VGAs feature low distortion of OIP3 = +49 dBm and operate over a 10 MHz to 500 MHz frequency range with a typical maximum gain of 20 dB and offer the industry's lowest power consumption (80 mA per channel).

IF VGAs feature gain step error of 0.04 dB. A parallel or serial communication interface provides control of a 6-bit (0.5dB: F1240) or 5-bit (1.0 dB: F1241) resolution, giving designers maximum flexibility.

Availability: The IDT F1240 and F1241 are currently sampling to qualified customers and are available in a 5x5 mm 32-pin QFN package.

For more info visit www.idt.com/go/RF.