MACOM Technology Solutions has introduced the company’s first wideband, low phase noise amplifier, designed for signal generation applications in test and measurement, radar, electronic warfare and countermeasures systems.
Fabricated with a low phase noise HBT process, the MAAL-011151 achieves −150 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz offset with a 12 GHz carrier. The 50 Ω amplifier covers 2 to 18 GHz and provides 16 dB small-signal gain, 5 dB noise figure and 17.5 dBm output power at 1 dB compression, all at 10 GHz.
The amplifier is biased with a single 5 V supply and has DC blocks at input and output. Typical current consumption is 60 mA. The amplifier can be controlled with a control circuit or direct bias injection.
The MAAL-011151 is available in a 5 mm x 5 mm, 32-lead AQFN package or as a bare die, measuring 2.8 mm x 1.73 mm x 0.1 mm. The die is fully passivated to improve reliability.
Typical MAAL-011151-DIE Performance
| Parameter | Units | MAAL-011151-DIE |
| Frequency | GHz | 2 to 18 |
| Linear Gain at 10 GHz | dB | 16 |
| Noise Figure at 10 GHz | dB | 5 |
| P1dB at 10 GHz | dBm | 17.5 |
| Phase Noise at 12 GHz, 1 kHz offset, +3 dBm out | dBc/Hz | −150 |
| Bias | V/mA | 6/60 |
| Die Size | mm | 2.8 x 1.73 x 0.1 |
“With the introduction of MACOM’s new MAAL-011151 ultra-low phase noise amplifiers, we’re investing in a growing portfolio of signal generation components that encompasses high performance comb generators, mixers and more. As we expand this portfolio to include additional discrete amplifiers covering additional frequencies and integrated low phase noise LO modules, system designers will benefit from seamless device compatibility and exceptional performance across the signal chain, with decades of MACOM application expertise to help them achieve their aggressive design goals.” — Graham Board, senior director of product marketing