SST Communications Introduces Industry's First Dual Power Amplifier for MIMO-Based WLAN Systems
Dual Channel Amplification Optimizes Performance, Reduces Cost of Emerging Wireless Designs
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 30 /-- SST Communications, a developer of RF integrated circuits for a wide range of wireless and multimedia applications, and a subsidiary of SST (Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.; Nasdaq: SSTI), a leader in flash memory technology, today introduced the industry's first dual power amplifier for multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) WLAN systems. The SST12LP30 provides two amplification channels in the 2.4 GHz band, providing wireless system designers with a cost-effective solution for 802.11b/g devices that utilize a 2x2 (two transmitters and two receivers) architecture. The new power amplifier delivers superior performance through channel matching, maximizes efficiency with on-chip power detection, and lowers bill-of-material costs by eliminating several external components.
"A variety of MIMO products have emerged to address consumer demand for greater wireless performance and to support advanced multimedia applications," said Frank Chang, vice chairman and chief technical advisor, SST Communications. "Our dual power amplifier is the first to help wireless system designers maximize the throughput and range of their MIMO products without a significant impact on design costs. As the industry moves closer to the 802.11n standard, we will continue to enable our customers to capitalize on this growing market by delivering cutting-edge power solutions for the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands."
The SST12LP30 power amplifier provides factory-matched gain and output power (within +/- 0.5dB) on two parallel channels. By eliminating possible power/gain incompatibilities, channel matching can improve performance, reduce engineering time and enable higher-yield production of MIMO devices. To further improve performance, the SST12LP30 provides 20dB of isolation between the two channels, which reduces interference and maintains signal quality for each independent data stream.
The SST12LP30 also features dual on-chip power detectors that not only increase amplifier efficiency and reliability, but also eliminate costly components such as Schottky diode detectors and directional couplers. The built-in power detectors provide a large dynamic range of 20 dB -- with dB-wise linearization and high stability over temperature (<+/-0.3 dB over 0-85 degrees Celsius), frequency (<+/-0.3 dB across Channels 1-14), and output load (<+/-0.4 dB with a 2:1 VSWR [voltage standing wave ratio] mismatch load at all angles).
In addition to its performance and efficiency features, the new dual power amplifier provides other distinct advantages to system designers. By integrating two power amplifiers and other components into a single package (3x3mm(2)), the SST12LP30 consumes up to 50 percent less PCB space than alternative designs using separate power amplifiers. It also allows for symmetrical board layout and component distribution, which ensures the equality of both transmission channels.
Like SST Communications' other power amplifiers, the SST12LP30 offers excellent linear output power and efficiency. Under high-power configuration, it provides 29 dB gain and output power of 22 dBm for 54-Mbps 802.11g operation (with 23 percent power-added efficiency) or output power of 23 dBm for 802.11b operation (with 25 percent power-added efficiency). The SST12LP30 can also be configured for high-efficiency operation, which is beneficial for embedded applications such as cellular and handheld devices.
SST Communications' power amplifiers are manufactured using a reliable InGaP/GaAs HBT technology, with tested MTTF exceeding 6x10(8) hours at 100 degrees Celsius. The company has supplied power amplifiers to leading WLAN system vendors who adopt transceiver solutions from companies including Atheros, Broadcom, Ralink and Realtek.
Pricing and Availability
The SST12LP30 is now available in production quantities. Pricing for the SST12LP30 devices start at $0.65 in 10K unit quantities. The devices are offered in a 3mm x 3mm, 16-pin VQFN and non-Pb (lead free) packages.
About SST Communications
SST Communications, a subsidiary of SST (Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.), is a fabless semiconductor company, providing optimized RF solutions to enable wireless multimedia and broadband networking system applications. The company has offices in Los Angeles, California and Taipei, Taiwan.
About Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.
Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, SST designs, manufactures and markets a diversified range of nonvolatile memory solutions, based on proprietary, patented NOR type SuperFlash technology, for high volume applications in the digital consumer, networking, wireless communications and Internet computing markets. SST's product families include various densities of high functionality flash memory components, flash mass storage products and flash microcontrollers. SST also offers its SuperFlash technology for embedded applications through its broad network of world-class manufacturing partners and technology licensees, including TSMC, which offers it under its trademark Emb-FLASH. Further information on SST can be found on the company's Web site at www.sst.com/ .
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements regarding flash memory and wireless communication market conditions, the company's future financial performance, the performance of new products and the company's ability to bring new products to market that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks may include timely development, acceptance and pricing of new products, the terms and conditions associated with licensees' royalty payments, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and general economic conditions as they affect the company's customers, as well as other risks detailed from time to time in the company's SEC reports, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2005.
For more information about SST and the company's comprehensive list of product offerings, please call 1-888-SST-CHIP. Information can also be requested via email to literature@sst.com or through SST's Web site at www.sst.com/ . SST's head office is located at 1171 Sonora Court, Sunnyvale, Calif.; telephone: 408-735-9110; fax: 408-735-9036.
NOTE: The SST logo and SuperFlash are registered trademarks of Silicon Storage Technology, Inc. Emb-FLASH is a trademark of TSMC. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
For More Information Contact:
Sasha Afanasieff
Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.
408-522-7310
aafanasieff@sst.com
Steve Gabriel
Porter Novelli
408-369-4600, ext. 627
steve.gabriel@porternovelli.com
Source: Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.
CONTACT: Sasha Afanasieff of Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.,
+1-408-522-7310, or aafanasieff@sst.com; or Steve Gabriel of Porter
+Novelli, 1-408-369-4600, ext. 627, or steve.gabriel@porternovelli.com,
+for Silicon
Storage Technology, Inc.
Web site: www.sst.com/
