ANADIGICS announced the AWR8004, an 800 MHz to 1 GHz receiver for use in cellular telephones, cordless telephones, and wireless local area networks (WLAN). Designed for 3 volt operation, the GaAs receiver features low-power consumption, a very small footprint, and is highly integrated, allowing wireless systems manufacturers to reduce component counts, and, thereby, reduce costs.

Offering the high performance required of today's wireless applications, the AWR8004 features typical conversion gain of 17 dB, which alleviates the need for external gain stages, reducing overall handset component cost. This new wireless receiver is able to detect low-power signals because it is very sensitive, featuring a maximum noise figure of 3.5 dB. "This product provides an exceptional combination of price and performance, offering an affordable front-end solution for wireless handsets that features the sensitivity and dynamic range required by new wireless designs," notes Barak Maoz, Director, Wireless Business Segment.

Designed as a low-power device, the AWR8004 typically delivers a -8 dBm third-order intercept point yet requires a typical power-supply current of only 12mA, biased from a single +3.0 VDC supply. "With the AWR8004, the design challenge was to create a true 3 volt cost effective integrated receiver that delivers a high third-order intercept point, low noise figure, and low power consumption," notes Ozzie Lopez, Design Manager. "The resulting device delivers a larger dynamic range than previous designs, with an exceptional intercept point of -8 dBm with only 12 mA."

This and the Micrel product following were announced within hours of one another. Although they carry the same title descriptor they are completely different products. As to which was the first 900-MHz receiver . . .

Anadigics has hit the market nail right on the head with this receiver. The combination of the -8 dBm third-order intercept, the 17 dB conversion gain, 12 mA quiescent current and noise figure of less than 3.5 dB will make the AWR8004 extremely attractive to systems designers. It is a true 3-V part and will be extremely successful in the wireless phone markets. The price, too, is hardly a detriment to doing business. The external component count required with the part is extremely low.