The LX5514M power amplifier (PA) from Microsemi is billed as the world's smallest wireless-local-area-network (WLAN) PA module for handsets and wireless modules. Measuring a mere 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.4 mm in a dual-flat-no-lead (DFN) package, the PA supports IEEE 802.11b/g/n WLAN applications from 2.4 to 2.5 GHz. It is fabricated with an InGaP heterojunction-bipolar-transistor (HBT) semiconductor process. The LX5514M includes fully matched input, simplified output matching, and an integrated power detect function for reduced circuit-board space.
According to Paul Pickle, Vice President and General Manager of Microsemi's Analog Mixed Signal Group, "The LX5514M enables designers to add WLAN capability in nearly half the space of the prior generation of 2 x2 mm PAs, and with a much lower profile that enables today's slim, sleek handset designs." The PA operates from a single +3.3-VDC supply and 130 mA total current, and provides 27-dB power gain with +27 dBm output power and 3-percent error-vector-magnitude (EVM) performance. It is priced at $0.45 each for 10,000 qty orders.