Avago announces highly integrated GPS LNA

Avago's ALM-1812 integrates an LNA and pre and post high-rejection filters in a compact package to provide a high-performance GPS RF front-end module that can help simplify the design of a wide range of GPS handset applications.

The ALM-1812 is designed for the 1.575GHz frequency band and is housed in a 4.5mm by 2.2mm by 1mm MCOB package, reducing printed circuit board (PCB) space by more than 50 per cent when compared to discreet-only solutions.

The integration of FBAR filtering enables the ALM-1812 to reach more than 90dBc of Cell/PCS-band rejection.

This GPS LNA effectively leverages Avago's 0.25um GaAs enhancement-mode pHEMT process to deliver a 1.66dB noise figure, 18.5dB gain and +2dBm input third-order intercept point (IIP3) at typical operating conditions of 2.7V and 6mA.

Simultaneous GPS (S-GPS), and other location-based GPS services, require a high level of receiver sensitivity.

Avago's ALM-1812 delivers a very low noise figure and high linearity that is designed to help improve the sensitivity of GPS applications.

The integrated FBAR filter is said to offer exceptional rejection at Cell/PCS-band frequencies and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, which helps improve the performance of GPS receivers for S-GPS operation in handsets.

The ALM-1812 has a built-in shunt inductor at the RF input pin to enhance ESD production.

By integrating a GPS LNA with pre and post high-rejection film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) filters, the ALM-1812 simplifies and shortens the RF design process, reduces component count and provides excellent RF performance levels that are critical in the use of GPS applications, said Avago.