Skyworks Solutions recently introduced a pair of general-purpose amplifiersboth of which are suitable for low-noise Industrial-Scientific-Medical (ISM) band applications where the current draw must be held in check. Based on GaAs pHEMT technology, the amplifiers can be used over a wide operating voltage range of +1.8 to +5.0 VDC, with both drawing as little as 5 mA current. The lower-frequency amplifier, model SKY67012-396LF, works from 0.3 to 0.6 GHz and is optimized for the 433-MHz ISM band. An operator can adjust supply current between 5 and 15 mA, and can use the amplifier to achieve 0.85-dB noise figure with 16.5-dB gain and +15-dBm output 1-dB compression point at 433 MHz with minimal current consumption.
The higher-frequency model SKY67013-396LF runs from 0.6 to 1.5 GHz with adjustable supply current. It can be used to achieve 0.85-dB noise figure with 14-dB gain, as well as +26-dBm output power at 1-dB compression at 900 MHz, when operating with 15 mA current at +3.3 VDC. Each amplifier is supplied in a compact, low-cost 2 x 2 DFN package. For more on how wireless technology providers are meeting the needs of new ISM applications, dont miss a Special Report in the July 2012 issue of Microwaves & RF.