Maxim Integrated Products introduced the MAX2640/MAX2641 -- silicon-germanium, low-noise amplifiers that outperform GaAs LNAs at silicon prices.

The MAX2640 is optimized for applications in the 400MHz to 1500MHz range, with a typical gain of 15.1dB and a noise figure of only 0.9dB on a fully matched LNA at 900MHz. The MAX2641 is optimized for applications from 1400MHz to 2500MHz, with a typical gain of 14.4dB and a noise figure of 1.3dB on a fully matched LNA at 1900MHz.

Powered by a single supply voltage in the +2.7V to +5.5V range, they operate from 400MHz to 2500MHz while drawing only 3.4mA of current. Applications include cellular/PCS and cordless phones, GPS receivers, and wireless LANs.

These amplifiers have an internal bias that eliminates the need for external bias resistors. In a typical application, the only external components needed are a two-element input match, input and output blocking capacitors, and a Vcc bypass capacitor.

The MAX2640/MAX2641 amplifiers are designed on an advanced high-frequency, low noise, silicon-germanium process.

With a really low key product announcement Maxim has unveiled itself as the first analog-only company to have developed a commercial Si-Ge process. Using the process for low-power RF parts has been widely expected after the success of the process with high-speed logic from companies like IBM. This process coming on line puts Maxim in an extraordinary position having its standard processes in two different physical locations and, also, with the Tektronix high-frequency processes that it acquired with the Beaverton fab -- and continues to develop. Some other analog manufacturers have cash-cowed themselves into positions where it may be really difficult to develop RF capability fast enough to keep up.

And what great numbers are being produced! In addition to the 15.1 dB of gain and the 0.9 dB noise figure, the 2640 -- at 900 MHz -- exhibits an input IP3 of -10 dBm and a reverse isolation of 40 dB. Similarly, the 2641 -- at 1900 MHz -- has a gain of 14.4 dB, noise figure of 1.3 dB, input IP3 of -4 dBm and a reverse isolation of 30 dB. The I/O VSWRs are <1.8:1 for the 2640 and <1.7:1 for the 2641.

These spectacular numbers together with extraordinarily easy-to-design and implement circuits will win Maxim massive orders across the frequency bands and the GaAs manufacturers of LNAs will, literally, have to give their products away to retain any share of the discrete market. Those applications will include 400/900 MHz/2.4 GHz ISM radios, cordless phones, pagers, GPS receivers, PCS handsets and LANs. At the same time as making this LNA announcement Maxim also announced a trio of low-noise, high conversion gain downconverters (MAX2680/1/2.) All the products are in SOT23-6 and the MAX2640 and MAX2641 are both priced at $0.80 in 1000-piece lots.