News Article
Avago provides WiMAX coexistence FEM to simplify mobile electronics
The highly-integrated, small-footprint module is claimed to be the first to deliver coexistence operation of WiMAX with other cellular and WiFi radios in the same device.
Avago Technologies, a supplier of analogue interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications, is releasing 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 WiFi 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 % space savings over discrete WiMAX solutions.
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The AFEM-S257 module integrates multiple high-performance technologies to reduce PCB board footprint, while simplifying design and manufacturing and shortening time to market. Using Avago’s 0.25-µm GaAs enhancement-mode pHEMT process and Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator (FBAR) filtering technologies, the module delivers superior performance across voltage and temperature levels.
FBAR technology delivers steep roll-off and low insertion loss, resulting in extended battery life and talk time and better signal quality. With high noise rejection of 35 dBc, the module enables fewer interference issues between IEEE 802.16 WiMAX and other radios. The AFEM-S257 module achieves 24 dBm of WiMAX-compliant output power, while maintaining an error vector magnitude (EVM) of 2.5 % at 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).
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 Centre from June 7-9.
“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.”
The AFEM-S257 has 18 % power added efficiency (PAE) and all RF ports are matched to 50 Wfor simplified design. With 3 to 5V power supply for TX path the TX gain is 34 dB. The NF is 3.5 dB from ANT to RX and has 25 dB of TX/RX isolation and RX1/RX2 isolation.
The AFEM-S257 WiMAX coexistence FEM 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.
