News | June 15, 2005

Fairchild Semiconductor's Linear Power Amplifier Module Selected For Wi-Fi Reference Designs

Source: Fairchild Semiconductor, RF Power Group
San Jose, CA -- Fairchild Semiconductor's RMPA5255 WLAN RF power amplifier has been selected for use in Broadcom's latest single-chip and PCI Express-enabled Wi-Fi reference designs. The selection is based on Fairchild's ability to optimize its product to meet Broadcom's strict size, cost and performance requirements. Broadcom's customers can now adopt the Wi-Fi module into their next-generation designs. The RMPA5255 provides a variety of benefits for wireless-enabled systems, including:
  • Full 4.9-5.9 GHz coverage for worldwide wireless LAN (WLAN) services;
  • Low 2.3% EVM for faster Internet downloads when using a WLAN Internet connection;
  • Fully matched PA with integrated power detector to minimize the need for external components;
  • Compact (5 x 5 x 1.5 mm) packaging for board-space savings.

"As manufacturers utilize new bus architectures and integrate Wi-Fi capabilities into smaller devices, Broadcom is working with leaders like Fairchild to develop solutions that meet the latest size, cost and performance requirements," said Brian Bedrosian, senior product line manager for Broadcom's Home and Wireless Networking Business Unit. "The stability, performance and cost-effectiveness of Fairchild's linear power amplifier enables Broadcom to minimize component count while maximizing the performance of its industry-leading Wi-Fi solutions."

Russ Wagner, general manager of Fairchild's RF Power Products Group, added, "The development of the RMPA5255 is an example of Fairchild's ability to deliver products based on our customers' specific application requirements as well as the broader demands of the computing market. We're very pleased that Broadcom selected Fairchild's RF power amplifier for their Wi-Fi notebooks, and we look forward to working closely with them to support future platforms. This power amplifier adds to our portfolio of RF Linear power solutions for WLAN, CDMA and WCDMA/UMTS wireless systems."

The lead (Pb)-free RMPA5255 meets or exceeds the requirements of the joint IPC/JEDEC standard J-STD-020B and is compliant with the European Union requirements now in effect.

SOURCE: Fairchild Semiconductor, RF Power Group