Microchip’s 2.4 GHz RF high-power amplifier offers low EVM and current for 256-QAM and 802.11b/g/n

USA: Microchip Technology Inc. announced its latest 2.4 GHz 256-QAM RF high-power amplifier—the SST12CP21—which offers ultra low EVM and current consumption for 256-QAM and IEEE 802.11n systems.

The SST12CP21 delivers high linear output power of up to 23 dBm at 1.75 percent dynamic EVM, with MCS9 HT40 MHz bandwidth modulation at 5V and 320 mA current consumption. Additionally, the SST12CP21 delivers 25 dBm linear power at 3 percent EVM with only 350 mA current consumption for 802.11g/n applications.

This performance significantly extends the range of 802.11b/g/n WLAN and MIMO systems, while consuming extremely low current at the maximum 256-QAM data rate. The SST12CP21 is also spectrum mask compliant up to 28 dBm for 802.11b/g communication. Board space is reduced by the small 3x3x0.55 mm, 16-pin QFN package that matches a popular pin-out.

Achieving the maximum data rate and longest range, while minimizing current consumption, is essential to Wi-Fi MIMO access-point, router and set-top-box system designers. The SST12CP21 power amplifier has a low operating current of 320 mA at 23 dBm and 350 mA at 25 dBm, which enables multichannel and higher data rate WLAN systems.

This amplifier also features 50 ohm on-chip input match and simple output match, which is easy to use and reduces board size.  Additionally, the integrated linear power detector provides accurate output power control over temperature and 2-to-1 output mismatch.