Power Amplifier consumes only 143 mA.

Press Release Summary:



Designed for cable applications, including digital cable-ready televisions and set-top boxes, S518324-44Z programmable-gain upstream power amplifier operates from single 3.3 V supply. Programmable device has operating frequency range of 5-65 MHz, low harmonics of -60 dBc typical at 60 dBmV, and 3-wire serial interface for dynamic range control. Housed in thermally enhanced 4 x 4 mm QFN20 package, it features 63 db dynamic range with 0.5 dB gain step resolution.



Original Press Release:



RFMD® Releases New Programmable-Gain Upstream CATV Amplifier



GREENSBORO, N.C., May 21 -- RF Micro Devices, (Nasdaq: RFMD), a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance semiconductor components, today announced the release of the S518324-44Z programmable-gain upstream power amplifier. The S518324-44Z is designed for cable applications including digital cable-ready televisions, set-top boxes and digital video recorders (DVRs) as well as DOCSIS® 2.0 compliant cable modems. The S518324-44Z enables cable operators to serve the rapidly growing consumer demand for interactive services and increased upstream data rates.

The S518324-44Z delivers best-in-class current consumption of 143 milliamps (mA), thereby reducing the cable device's thermal profile and satisfying stringent original equipment manufacturer (OEM) requirements for thermal management. The S518324-44Z also features an industry-leading 63 db dynamic range with an ultra-fine 0.5 dB gain step resolution. Finally, the S518324-44Z exceeds the DOCSIS 2.0 specification, providing cable set-top box and modem designers with significant headroom for improving performance over current generation solutions.

Alastair Upton, general manager of RFMD's Broadband and Consumer Business Unit, said, "Our lead customer for the S518324-44Z selected our innovative new upstream power amplifier in order to reduce risk and accelerate time to market for a next-generation set-top cable box. The S518324-44Z is implemented in an established 4 x 4 footprint and significantly improves upon critical performance metrics of the existing generation solution. We look forward to continued design activity with this customer related to future generations of set-top boxes and other applications."

Technical features of the S518324-44Z include:

o Single 3.3 V supply operation
o Operating frequency range of 5 to 65 MHz
o Low Harmonics of -60 dBc typical at 60 dBmV
o 3-wire serial interface for dynamic range control
o DOCSIS 2.0 and EuroDOCSIS(TM) 2.0 compliance

The S518324-44Z is housed in a RoHS compliant, thermally enhanced 4 x 4 mm QFN20 package with immediate mass production availability. Based upon existing customer design activity, RFMD® anticipates shipments will commence in the current quarter. For more information about RFMD's Broadband and Consumer Business Unit, please see rfmd.com/broadbandcatv.

About RFMD: RF Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq GS: RFMD) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance semiconductor components. 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.

SOURCE RF Micro Devices, Inc.

Jerry Neal,
Executive Vice President,
+1-336-678-7001, both of RFMD®

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