Avago Technologies announced the availability of its next-generation high-gain GPS low noise amplifier (LNA) with integrated filter. The company is a supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications. Under typical operating conditions of 2.7 V and 6 mA, Avago’s highly integrated ALM-1612 LNA/filter module delivers exceptional performance levels, including a 0.9 dB noise figure, 18 dB gain, +2 dBm input third-order intercept point and more than 65 dBc of cell/PCS-band rejection. Designed for the 1.575 GHz frequency band, the ALM-1612 targets GPS handset, recreational, in-vehicle navigation and antenna markets.

Packaged in a 3.3 x 2.1 x 1.0 mm miniature MCOB package, the ALM-1612 is integrated with Avago’s FBAR filter for superior rejection at cell/PCS band frequencies, which is particularly critical for simultaneous GPS operation in handsets and other mobile applications. The ALM-1612 provides a CMOS-compatible shutdown pin to turn the LNA on/off or to adjust the variable current. A built-in shunt indicator at the RF input pin of the LNA enhances its ESD protection. Leveraging the company’s innovative 0.25 &956;m enhancement-mode PHEMT fabrication technology, Avago’s ALM-1612 can also operate at low voltages of 1.8 V and still achieve very low noise figures and high gain, making it ideal for use in low-power GPS applications, such as handsets and portable GPS navigation devices.

The full integration of Avago’s GPS LNA with its FBAR filter in a very small package helps to reduce PCB board space and component count. This enables product designers to create smaller, more compact GPS products or add more features and functionalities on the device to support new applications.