SiGe Semiconductor recently introduced an RF front-end module that they claim reduces the cost of 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi systems by 15% and board area requirements by 60%.

The SE2559L is a complete 802.11 b/g WLAN RF front-end module integrating the power amplifier, negative slope power detector, T/R switch, diversity switch, and associated matching circuitry. All ports are matched to 50 Ohms, which simplifies PCB layout and the interface to the transceiver IC. The integrated power detector features 20 dB of dynamic range and a digital enable control for transmitter power ramp on/off control.

The SE2559L features +18 dBm power output with EVM of 3% while operating in 802.11g mode. All ACPR requirements are met while operating at +21dBm output power in 802.11b mode. In 802.11g mode, the SE2559L has a low current draw of just 142 mA, operating from a single 3.3 V supply.

The combination of high power output and low current consumption allows manufacturers to achieve the performance and battery life required of portable Wi-Fi applications.

The SE2559L also eliminates external requirements for matching and reference voltages, thereby reducing system cost, and simplifying design, test and manufacture. This makes the SE2259L ideal for access points, laptops, PC cards and embedded Wi-Fi applications.

The SE2559L is in production now in a 4 X 5 mm QFM package, and is priced at US $.90 in 100k-unit quantities. SiGe is also offering the SE2558L, which is identical to the SE2559L, with a positive slope power detector.