GaN-Based Differential Amplifiers meet demands of CATV networks.

Press Release Summary:



SMT power doubler, RFCM2680, is capable of delivering +61 dBmV output, while RFPP2870 push-pull amp features high gain 28 dB (min at 1,003 MHz). Functioning as Edge QAM amp or push-pull amp with +46 dBmV output, RFAM2790 meets DOCSIS 3.0 specifications with 7 dB margin and has inner-stage attenuator that provides 8-28 dB gain. Push-pull amp RFCA8818, optimized for CATV line driver stages, has 2 dB noise figure and delivers 17 dB gain and +34 dBmV min output power.



Original Press Release:



RFMD Expands Broadband Product Portfolio with Market Leading Differential Amplifiers for CATV Networks



Products Feature RFMD's Low-Power, Wide-Bandwidth GaN-Based Technology

ATLANTA -- SCTE Cable-Tec Expo® -- RF Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq:RFMD), a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance radio frequency components and compound semiconductor technologies, today announced the introduction of a new product family of high performance differential amplifiers for cable television (CATV) networks. The broadband CATV products leverage RFMD's product and technology leadership to deliver enhanced functionality and improved performance to CATV access networks worldwide.

Specifically, RFMD's newest broadband CATV products (the RFCM2680, RFPP2870, RFAM2790, and RFCA8818) leverage the Company's combination of advanced compound semiconductor technologies, high-volume module assembly, and industry-leading manufacturing scale to enable measurable improvements in efficiency, size, and performance. RFMD's GaN technology, in particular, delivers unprecedented gains in performance and power efficiency, at a time when both are increasingly critical to CATV network deployment.

Alastair Upton, general manager of RFMD's Broadband Components business unit, said, "To accommodate the explosive consumer demand for digital content, multi-system operators (MSOs) are seeking more bandwidth, higher output, and lower distortion, while also requiring lower power consumption to reduce operating expenses and lower total system cost to mitigate the cost of capital-intensive network changes. RFMD's broadband CATV products are designed to address these challenges and meet our customers' current and future needs for efficiency, size, and performance. By delivering advanced functionality and enhanced performance across a broad range of CATV applications, RFMD is helping our customers to achieve new levels of performance in the CATV marketplace."

Product Information:
  • The RFCM2680. The RFCM2680 is the world's first GaN-based surface mount power doubler. Capable of delivering +61dBmV output power, the RFCM2680 consumes 20% less current for the same linearity performance, compared to GaAs technology. The RFCM2680's surface mount package allows up to 50% savings in board area over industry-standard SOT115J packages.
  • The RFPP2870. The RFPP2870 is a GaN-based push-pull amplifier featuring high gain 28dB (minimum at 1003MHz) and excellent linearity at low distortion levels. It is available in an industry-standard SOT115J package.
  • The RFAM2790. The RFAM2790 functions as an Edge QAM amplifier or a push-pull amplifier with +46dBmV output power. Its inner-stage attenuator provides 8-28dB gain range and it features power-down functionality for power save mode. The part meets DOCSIS 3.0 specifications with 7dB margin.
  • The RFCA8818. The RFCA8818 is a push-pull amplifier featuring low noise performance (2dB noise figure). It is optimized for CATV line driver stages and delivers 17dB gain, +34dBmV minimum output power, and internal input and output matching.

    Samples of the RFCM2680, RFPP2870, RFAM2790, and RFCA8818 are available now through RFMD's online store, or through local RFMD sales channels.

    RFMD's extensive portfolio of CATV products includes SOT115J packaged amplifiers, MMICs, modules, frequency modulation components, and passive components. RFMD is showcasing its portfolio of industry-leading wired broadband components at the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, in Atlanta, Georgia, in Booth 1546, from November 15 until November 17, 2011.

    About RFMD
    RF Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq:RFMD) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance radio frequency components and compound semiconductor technologies. RFMD's products enable worldwide mobility, provide enhanced connectivity and support advanced functionality in the cellular handset, wireless infrastructure, wireless local area network (WLAN), CATV/broadband and aerospace and defense markets. RFMD is recognized for its diverse portfolio of semiconductor technologies and RF systems expertise and is a preferred supplier to the world's leading mobile device, customer premises and communications equipment providers.

    Headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., RFMD is an ISO 9001- and ISO 14001-certified manufacturer with worldwide engineering, design, sales and service facilities. RFMD is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol RFMD. For more information, please visit RFMD's web site at www.rfmd.com.

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