Toshiba develops low-noise MMICs

The SiGe cellpack devices are particularly suitable for stationary and mobile terrestrial tuner applications where they can be used to improve dynamic range and minimise distortion while reducing power consumption and component density.

The TB76xxTU range of MMICs (monolithic microwave integrated circuits) integrate a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and bypass circuitry into a UF6 package measuring 2mm x 2.1mm x 0.7mm.

For extremely limited space requirements the MMIC line-up is also available (as the TB76xxCTC) in a leadless CST6C package measuring 1.5mm x 1.2mm x 0.4mm.

These MMICs can reduce the circuitry and external component count required to ensure high-gain operation when input signals are weak and low power bypass operation when signal strength improves.

Switching between LNA and bypass mode operation is achieved via a single-mode control voltage input.

Toshiba's TB76xxTU series operates on a frequency range of 40MHz to 1GHz and comprises nine devices (xx = 00 to 08, denoting different options with respect to LNA performance).

There is a choice between LNA mode gains from 10dB to 15dB, noise figures between 1.3dB and 2.8dB, and different distortion behaviour.

Typical IIP3 value is +8dBm in the best case.

All of the devices are designed to operate with a power supply input of between 2.3V and 3.3V.

Operating current in LNA mode can be as low as 2.7mA while pass-through mode current consumption will be below 3uA with insertion losses of 2dB.