Low-noise amplifiers for GPS-enabled applications

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX2686/MAX2688 low-noise amplifiers, which are designed for GPS-enabled applications operating in the 1,575MHz band.

Packaged in a 0.86 x 0.86mm, 0.4mm-pitch wafer-level package (WLP) with four pins, these LNAs minimise solution footprint for small, handheld designs.

Maxim's advanced SiGe BiCMOS technology enables this space-saving design.

The MAX2686/MAX22688 require two external components to complete the board-level design - plus an optional resistor for logic-enabled shutdown.

These LNAs are suitable for GPS L1, Galileo and GLONASS applications such as mobile phones, portable navigational devices (PNDs) and module customers who want to improve GPS-receive sensitivity.

The MAX2686/MAX2688 feature a 0.75dB noise figure that improves receive sensitivity over discrete and highly integrated CMOS solutions.

Additionally, customers can expect longer battery life in their end equipment due to the 4mA operating supply current.

When the LNAs are not in use, an optional logic-enabled shutdown mode reduces supply current to less than 1uA.

For customers who wish to ensure a higher level of receive performance in the face of in-band and out-of-band blockers, the high-linearity MAX2688 provides approximately 6dBm better in-band and out-of-band IIP3 for 4mA extra supply current.

Pin-compatible versions are in development that offer variable levels of performance based on gain, current consumption and linearity.

An integrated LDO option will also be available to enable direct operation from VBATT.

The MAX2686/MAX2688 operate from a 1.6 to 3.3V supply and are fully specified over the -40 to 85C extended temperature range.

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