RF front-end module for WiMAX radios can co-exist with other wireless interface

Avago Technologies has announced a complete RF front-end module (FEM) for WiMAX radios in mobile handset or portable PC applications. The new AFEM-S257 module is designed specifically for coexistence operation of WiMAX with other cellular and Wi-Fi radios in the same device. The module features two receive ports and a single transmit port in a small 5 by 7 by 1 mm package that is ideal for space-constrained mobile applications in the 2.5 to 2.7 GHz frequency range - providing up to 25 percent space savings over discrete WiMAX solutions, claims Avago.

The AFEM-S257 module is made using Avago's proprietary 0.25-µm GaAs enhancement-mode pHEMT process and Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator (FBAR) filtering technologies. Offering a noise rejection of 35 dBc AFEM-S257 module achieves 24 dBm of WiMAX-compliant output power, while maintaining an error vector magnitude (EVM) of 2.5 percent at 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).

"The AFEM-S257 front-end module provides a complete, compact solution that can be easily and quickly designed in to mobile WiMAX applications, which is demonstrated in the top three reference designs addressing this market," said James Wilson, senior director of marketing for wireless products at Avago. "With Avago FBAR filtering technology delivering unparalleled out-of-band rejection, the module offers the performance major smartphone makers demand."

Additional AFEM-S257 Product Features:
18 percent power added efficiency (PAE)
All RF ports matched to 50 ohms for simplified design
3 to 5V power supply for TX path
TX gain of 34 dB
3.5 dB Noise Figure from ANT to RX
25 dB of TX/RX isolation and RX1/RX2 isolation

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The AFEM-S257 WiMAX coexistence front-end module is available in a 28-lead MCOB package and is priced at $9.50 each in 10,000 piece quantities. Samples and production quantities are available now through the Avago direct sales channel and via worldwide distribution partners.

Avago will have a live demonstration of the AFEM-S257 module, and will exhibit its complete RF and Microwave portfolio, at the 2011 IEEE Microwave Theory & Techniques Society International Microwave Symposium in booth number 1602 at the Baltimore Convention Center from June 7-9.