Thursday, June 21, 2012: RF Micro Devices, Inc. (RFMD) has announced a highly integrated one-quarter watt (1/4W) analog-controlled variable gain amplifier (VGA). The RFVA0016 VGA features external matching to allow operation in all RF bands between 400 to 2700MHz with a single module. It is said to deliver 24dBm output compression power with 25dB gain and a temperature compensated 30dB gain range. Consuming only 185mA, the 1/4W VGA delivers a linear POUT/DC power ratio and is ideal for wireless infrastructure and general purpose RF applications.
John Pelose, general manager--wireless products business unit, RFMD, said, "The RFVA0016 integrates RFMD's broadband, temperature-compensated SOI attenuator with a high-linearity driver amplifier to offer an integrated broadband VGA solution for all cellular bands. This demonstrates RFMD's long-standing commitment to optimum technology matching(R) and our ability to deliver industry-leading performance by integrating multiple technologies into a single component."

This RFVA0016 VGA features a unique linear attenuation slope that can be reversed to a positive or a negative slope via a mode logic pin. The attenuation is controlled by a single 0-volt to 3.3-volt positive supply. It is now available in a 5mm x 5mm, 32-pin laminate multi-chip module (MCM) and is QFN footprint-compatible.

Samples and production quantities can be availed through RFMD's online store or through local RFMD sales channels.