Agilent Technologies Introduces Ultra-Low-Noise Amplifier Module With Shutdown Capability

30 September 2005

Miniature Package, Low-Volt Operation and Battery-Saving Features Reduce Costs and Power Consumption of Integrated-Handset GPS Receivers

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced the industry's lowest noise figure 0.9 to 3.5 GHz MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) LNA (low-noise amplifier) module, with integrated shutdown capability that enhances the performance of GPS handsets. The Agilent ALM-1106's combination of low noise figure to improve sensitivity, miniature size, low-voltage operation, and battery-saving features makes the amplifier module an ideal choice for GPS receivers incorporated in mobile phone handsets.

"The ALM-1106 will help our customers reduce the PCB size and associated material costs for the cellular handset GPS function," said Ho King Pieng, worldwide marketing manager for the Wireless Semiconductor Division in Agilent's Semiconductor Products Group. "It offers better performance while being extremely cost-competitive with other GPS and ISM-band LNAs on the market."

The high-performance GPS LNA presents an attractive solution for cellular handset manufacturers as they start offering location-based services. One of the approaches to implementing the U.S. FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Wireless Enhanced 911 (E911) mandate, which will require service providers to supply location information of a 911 caller, requires enhanced GPS capability in the phone itself. The GPS sensitivity required by some service providers can be met only with a high-performance GPS LNA and not by the GPS chipsets available today.

The ALM-1106 operates from as low as 1 volt, is equipped with a built-in shutdown function to minimize standby current, and is supplied in a leadless, small-footprint (2 x 2 mm), low-profile (1.1 mm max) MCOB (molded chip on board) package. The MMIC LNA module is also ideal for IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g Wi-Fi receivers, and for receivers for 2 GHz and 3.5 GHz IEEE 802.16 WiMAX (wireless microwave access)/ BWA (broadband wireless access).

Among the performance features of the ALM-1106 LNA module are very low 0.85 dB noise figure; high 14.8 dB gain; 0 dBm output power (1 dB gain compression); and wide dynamic range, with an input third-order intercept point of +5 dBm (all typical). The module operates over a 1.0 V to 3.3 V range, with an operating current (VDD) as low as 3.5 mA at 1 volt, and a total shutdown current of approximately 120 microamperes (uA) total (less than 5 uA shutdown current with an additional 120 uA driving the shutdown pin).

The LNA uses Agilent's proprietary GaAs enhancement-mode pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (E-pHEMT) process to achieve high gain operation with very low noise figures and high linearity. Its CMOS-compatible shutdown pin can also provide variable bias to the amplifier.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The ALM-1106 MMIC LNA module is available packaged in bulk and in tape-and-reel on 7-inch and 13-inch reels. The modules are priced at $1.13 each in 5,000- to 9,999-piece quantities. Samples, demo boards and production quantities are available now through Agilent's direct sales channel and worldwide distribution partners.

About Agilent's RF/Microwave Solutions

With three decades of RF and microwave design and manufacturing experience, Agilent helps its customers meet the most demanding technical specifications and pass the most difficult regulatory tests around the world. Agilent's RF/microwave components target handset, base station and wireless LAN applications and offer numerous benefits, including small packages, excellent power efficiency and industry-leading performance specifications. The company uses its own commercially available EEsof EDA software tools in the design of its products. More information is available at www.agilent.com/view/rf.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $7.2 billion in fiscal year 2004. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Please direct reader inquiries to Agilent Semiconductor Products Group at +1 800 235 0312, or e-mail us at semiconductorsupport@agilent.com. Further technology, corporate citizenship and executive news is available on the Agilent news site at www.agilent.com/go/news.