Guerrilla RF launches broadband, low-noise, linear, single control amplifier with low-loss bypass

Guerrilla RF Inc of Greensboro, NC, USA, a provider of monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) to wireless original equipment manufacturers, has added to its range of bypass amplifiers by launching the GRF4142.

The new amplifier is targeted at small cells, cellular boosters and other broadband, high-performance applications offering broadband frequency coverage with a minimal number of external components. Offered in an ultra-small 1.5mm x 1.5mm DFN-6 package, it shares a common pin-out with numerous other Guerrilla RF devices including the GRF400X and GRF201X device families.

The GRF4142 can be operated over a drain supply (Vdd) range of 1.8-5.0V, and the quiescent supply current (Iddq) can be controlled independently from Vdd, allowing the device efficiency to optimized for a given application requirement. The device can cover fractional bandwidths >20%, with a single set of external components. Gain mode performance of 1900MHz, with gain of 16.0dB, OP1dB of 19.0dBm, OIP3 of 34dBm, and noise figure of 0.95dB at 5.0V and 50mA. Bypass mode performance of 1900MHz, with gain of -1.5dB, OP1dB of 20dBm, and OIP3 of 40dBm at 5.0V and << 1.0mA.

The new amplifier “addresses an industry need for a cost-effective, broadband low-noise amplifier [LNA]/driver with integrated bypass delivering outstanding RF performance with low-power consumption over a wide frequency range,” says Alan Ake, VP of applications & technical marketing. “The device’s flexible biasing capability allows for high levels of reuse with optimal efficiency over a wide range of linearity requirements,” he adds. “GRF4142 uses Guerrilla RF’s common 1.5mm DFN-6 layout and application schematic, which supports a growing family of drivers and LNA devices.”

According to Research and Markets, the overall wireless network infrastructure market will rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 5% to over $104bn by the end of 2020.

GRF4142 samples and evaluation boards are available now. Pricing is $0.65 each in 10,000-unit quantities. Production is scheduled for third-quarter 2017.