RFMD, a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance radio frequency solutions, unveiled its first power doubler amplifier in a multi-chip module to support the requirements of the new data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) 3.1.

RFMD's new Gallium Nitride- (GaN-) based RFCM3316 allows cable operators and MSOs to easily upgrade existing CATV infrastructure to meet the power amplifier requirements of the new DOCSIS 3.1 standard, increasing effective downstream data rates from 160 Megabits per second (Mb/s) to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbit/s), and upstream data rates from 120 Mb/s to 1 Gbit/s when compared to DOCSIS 3.0. Due to the high output and gain benefits derived from RFMD's GaN-based RFCM3316, cable operators can upgrade their existing equipment within current locations, saving on both installation time and cost.

"Our new power doubler amplifier solution underscores RFMD's product leadership by creating an easy upgrade to the DOCSIS 3.1 standard for CATV operators and MSOs, extending the life of existing networks," said Norm Hilgendorf, president of RFMD's Multi-Market Products Group. "The RFCM3316 is a drop-in replacement to its predecessor, the RFCM2680, combining a small footprint with adjustable current consumption. Early customer feedback has been positive, and we look forward to supporting them as they roll out new DOCSIS 3.1-compliant products beginning in early 2014."

The RFCM3316 operates from 40MHz to 1200MHz and provides an extremely high output level of 60dBmV under a 1.2GHz channel loading with < 10-10 BER and 42dB MER and -80dB CTB and -80dB CSO. This modular, surface mount device saves about 50 percent in board space compared to traditional SOT115J packages, while maintaining excellent linearity and ruggedness. Due to the efficient nature of the GaN process, the product can also operate at 20% less current than Gallium Arsenide-based products at a comparable distortion level.

The RFCM3316 is now sampling with key customers, and volume production is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2014. RFCM3316 is the newest addition to RFMD's differential amplifier family developed for CATV transmission that includes power doublers and push-pull amplifiers delivering unmatched performance in terms of output power, bandwidth, linearity, current consumption and reliability. RFMD will showcase its portfolio of industry-leading CATV components at its booth (#1362) at the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo to be held in Atlanta, Georgia from October 22 -24.