Module integrates both switch and LNA for TD-SCDMA and TD-LTE base stations

Avago Technologies have announced a series of high-power switch low-noise amplifier (LNA) modules dedicated for use in front-end receiver designs of TD-SCDMA and TD-LTE base transceiver station (BTS) applications.

The advantage and features of these modules as explained by Avago are:

The new small-footprint ALM-12x24 modules replace existing three-piece discrete solutions, providing significant board space savings that is especially critical for BTS designs with 8 transceiver channels in a single radio card.

The fully-matched solutions also shorten design cycle time by eliminating the need for tuning with external matching circuitry.
The Avago ALM-12x24 LNA modules integrate a high-power 50W Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) switch, a first-stage LNA and a second-stage high-linearity amplifier in an 8-mm-by-8-mm package.
Constructed with an Avago PIN diode, the SPDT switch prevents the LNA from damage by high-power signals potentially leaking over from the transmit chain in conditions where the antenna is mismatched.
The LNA and high-linearity amplifier leverage the company's proprietary 0.25 um GaAs Enhancement-mode pHEMT process to achieve robust RF performance.
50 dB isolation between the first and second stage amplifiers, enabling external addition of an attenuator or RF filter without affecting the overall module performance
High power handling capability of 47.5 dBm
Low distortion silicon PIN diode technology
Highly reliable MSL2a rating and lead-free package

Design suggestion by Avago for selecting LNA: The wireless infrastructure industry must provide optimum coverage with the best signal quality in a crowded spectrum. Receiver sensitivity is the most critical requirement in a BTS receiver's design, and LNA selection greatly affects the receiver's performance. For front-end design architectures, low noise figure (NF) is a key design goal. Another key design factor is linearity, which affects the receiver's ability to distinguish between wanted and spurious signals that are closely spaced. Output third-order intercept (OIP3) is used to specify linearity. The ALM-12124 module covers 1880-2025 MHz with 0.80 dB NF and 36.4 dBm OIP3 typical performance at 1900 MHz in receiver mode, while ALM-12224 module covers 2300-2400 MHz with 0.99 dB NF and 38.5 dBm OIP3 typical performance at 2400 MHz in receiver mode.

Avago will exhibit the modules, along with 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.

U.S. Pricing and Availability:
The ALM-12x24 switch LNA modules ship in a 24-pin MCOB package. The ALM-12124 and ALM-12224 modules are priced at $8.58 each in 10,000 piece quantities. Samples and production quantities are available now through the Avago direct sales channel and via worldwide distribution partners.