CML Microcircuits; developers of low-power analogue, digital and mixed-signal semiconductors for global telecommunications systems; announced the availability of the CMX90G301 and CMX90G302 positive gain slope amplifiers. Developed using CML’s innovative SµRF RFIC/MMIC design capability, these general-purpose gain blocks are ideally suited to a wide range of wireless applications operating in the 1.4 to 7.1 GHz frequency range, including 4G/5G infrastructure applications and devices operating in licence-free bands. 

Both devices use GaAs pHEMT technology to achieve an optimal combination of low DC power, low noise and high gain. The CMX90G301 has +1 dB positive gain slope, while the CMX90G302 offers a +2 dB gain slope for applications requiring more gain slope compensation. Both devices deliver a small signal gain of 14.8 to 16.0 dB, a P1dB output rating of +11.5 dBm at 3.5 GHz and a low noise figure of 2 dB.

As with other devices in the SµRF family, the CMX90G301 and CMX90G302 gain blocks have been designed for ease of use, with a high level of integration, supporting minimised component counts and reduced PCB footprints. As “plug-in,” cascadable, gain blocks the CMX90G301 and CMX90G302 eliminate the need for passive equalisation circuits within the system design and, thanks to an on-board active bias circuit, the devices operate over a wide supply voltage of 2.7 to 5 V, with a typical current of 22 mA. Additionally, the RF ports of each device are matched to 50 Ω, supporting rapid product development cycles, particularly for mass-market applications.

 “The CMX90G301 and CMX90G302 low-power gain blocks are the latest devices employing CML’s advanced SµRF design capability to address the growing market requirement for high-performing mmWave devices,” said Matthew White, marketing manager, RF and mmWave. “CML’s customers can leverage our SµRF capability to reduce development cycle times and gain rapid access to emerging markets such as 5G satellite and IoT. The CMX90G301 and CMX90G302 are now available, joining the CMX90A702 medium power amplifier, and future products in the SµRF family will include a range of PAs, LNAs, gain blocks and FEMs, all employing high performance GaAs and GaN technologies.”