RF Micro Devices Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance radio frequency components, introduced the highly-integrated RFFM4501E front end module (FEM) for 802.11ac notebook and mobile equipment applications. RFMD's newest WiFi FEM meets or exceeds the system requirements for 802.11ac connectivity in the 5.150GHz — 5.850GHz frequency band and is optimized to support multiple applications, including notebooks, mobile routers, and low-power customer premises systems.

The RFFM4501E integrates a +17.5dBm (80MHz MCS9) PA at 3.3V, a low insertion loss/high isolation single pole two throw (SP2T) switch, harmonic filtering, and a low noise amplifier (LNA) with bypass mode, for equipment manufacturers seeking to adjust receive sensitivity. The receive chain provides 12.5dB of typical gain with only 12mA of current and an excellent noise figure of 2.5dB. Separate Rx/Tx 50 Ohm ports simplify matching and provide input and output signals for both the transmit and receive paths.

The RFFM4501E is optimized to mate with the 802.11ac chipset of a leading semiconductor company.

The ultra-small form factor (3mm x 3mm x 1.1mm) and high level of integration of the RFFM4501E shrink the product footprint, reduce external component count, minimize assembly costs, speed time-to-market, and enable industry-leading product performance.