SiGe Semiconductor has expanded its Wireless LAN and Bluetooth range with an integrated SE2579U front end module (FEM) targeted at embedded and module applications markets, including WLAN enabled cellular handsets, digital cameras and personal media players (PMPs). Sanjiv Shah, director, product marketing WiMAX, & embedded WLAN at SiGe said, We designed the SE2579U to address the specific challenges faced by OEMs needing to operate direct-to-battery, and to facilitate Bluetooth/WLAN concurrent mode operation solutions. Shah added, The direct-to-battery operation does not require additional voltage regulation circuitry. The high output power of the module improves link budgets and the quality of data transfer and the design specifically resolves the issues of simultaneous BT/WLAN operation.
The SE2579U is a complete 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz WLAN RF FEM with a Bluetooth port in an ultra compact form factor (3 x 3 x 0.5 mm). It is capable of simultaneous operation in both WLAN and Bluetooth receive mode without signal degradation found in current solutions. The device provides all the functionality of the power amplifier, power detector, filter, switch, low noise amplifier, 2170 MHz notch filtering and associated matching.
The SE2579U provides a complete WLAN / BT RF single package solution from the output of the transceiver to the antenna, and from the antenna to the input of the transceiver. It is easy to deploy, with all the critical matching and harmonic filtering integrated, while also offering a simple 50 interface to the antenna.
The SE2579U includes a power detector with 20 dB of dynamic range and a digital enable control for transmitter power ramp on/off control.
Shah concluded, ‘This new FEM delivers the reliability, flexibility, and performance OEMs require and consumers demand. It significantly reduces device bill of materials and board assembly costs as well as the overall system footprint, all of which are paramount in embedded applications.’
The SE2579U comes in a small lead and halogen free, ROHS compliant 3 mm x 3 mm x 0.5 mm, MSL 1, package, this low profile package height makes it suitable for integration in WLAN modules.
The SE2579U is priced at US$0.95 in 100k quantities it is sampling now and is offered with applications documentation and evaluation boards. SiGes renowned customer support is readily available to assist customers in their design of the FEM into their applications and to optimize performance.