Microsemi introduces world's first SiGe-based, monolithic RF FE device designed for 5G WiFi platforms

Microsemi Corp., a leading provider of semiconductor solutions differentiated by power, security, reliability and performance, delivered the world's first monolithic silicon germanium (SiGe) RF front-end (FE) device for the 5th generation of Wi-Fi devices based on IEEE 802.11ac standard. Benefitting from its industry-leading integration levels and utilizing high-performance SiGe process technology, the new LX5586 RF FE provides significant performance and cost advantages over existing technologies.

The RF FE is designed to be used in conjunction with Broadcom's BCM4335 combo chip for mobile platforms such as smartphones and tablets. BCM4335 is the industry's first combo chip solution based on the IEEE 802.11ac standard, also known and widely deployed as 5G WiFi.

"We're pleased to enter the 802.11ac market in collaboration with Broadcom," said Amir Asvadi, vice president and general manager at Microsemi. "The LX5586 is the smallest, most reliable, highest performance solution in the marketplace today and the first in a series of highly-integrated Wi-Fi subsystems we are introducing to our customers. This innovative front-end solution provides Broadcom's 5G Wi-Fi devices with inherent reliability and cost advantages over traditional multi-chip front-end modules."

"Broadcom is enabling the 5G WiFi ecosystem across all major wireless product segments," said Rahul Patel, Broadcom vice president, Mobile Wireless Connectivity Combos Group. "Microsemi's new RF power amplification solutions further underscore the traction behind 5G WiFi, which has been recognized as one of the most significant wireless innovations of the year."

According to industry analyst firm NPD In-Stat, 802.11ac will grow rapidly with chipset shipments to surpass 650 million by 2015, with total Wi-Fi chipset revenue reaching $6.1 billion. By 2015, the three biggest markets for 802.11ac are expected to be smart phones, notebooks and tablets.

Microsemi LX5586's key technical features include:

Fully integrated, single chip 802.11ac 5GHz PA, LNA with bypass and SPDT antenna switch
Small footprint of 2.5 x 2.5 mm and only 0.4 mm height
Ultra linear power of 16dBm at 1.8 percent EVM, 256QAM modulation over 80MHz bandwidth
High ESD protection of 1000V (HBM) on all pins

For more information on Broadcom's BCM4335 Wi-Fi chip, visit http://www.broadcom.com/products/Wireless-LAN/802.11-Wireless-LAN-Solutions/BCM4335.

For more information on 5G WiFi, visit www.5GWiFi.org.