STMicroelectronics announces 1.925 - 16GHz SiGe RF synthesiser
STMicroelectronics' new STuW81300 microwave integrated wideband RF synthesiser covers the RF frequency range from 1.925GHz up to 16GHz on a single IC, offering what the company believes is the widest frequency range and the highest frequency in the IC market.
Implemented in ST's integrated BiCMOS SiGe technology, the STuW81300 is said to enable versatile RF architectures at greater economy than traditional microwave solutions based on III-V technologies with low integration capabilities.
The STuW81300 comprises a fractional-N phase-locked-loop (PLL) core with low-noise wideband voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) and voltage regulators. Furthermore, the STuW81300 features a broad range of programmable hardware options to accommodate the needs of most current and future RF/Microwave applications, including radio links, satellite communications, base stations, and test and measurement equipment.
The use of microwave frequency bands (beyond 6GHz) is steadily increasing to support an ever-expanding number of applications, demanding a new class of radio equipment with an improved cost profile to enable new markets. Integrating discrete GaAs architectures into a single-chip wideband SiGe device meets that need.
The STuW81300 features include: a frequency range from 1.925GHz to 16GHz (split over two RF outputs); +6dBm@6GHz and +4dBm@12GHz power at the internally broadband matched RF outputs; and fundamental VCO rejection at doubler output higher than 20dB.
An evolution of ST's successful STW81200 and STW8110x family, the new synthesiser delivers high performance and flexibility while ensuring that the same board design can support multiple bands and RF standards. For example, in satellite applications the STuW81300 can be directly used as a local oscillator for mod/demod of Ku band signals or Ka band with an additional on-board frequency doubler. In other applications, STuW81300 can also fully drive external VCOs (e.g. in GaAs).
The STuW81300 can be powered from a single unregulated supply, for instance 5V or 3.6V, with power consumption and performance tuning, which allows its application range to extend from traditional mains-powered infrastructure to low-power applications.
