A host of new products from WJ Communications targets the wireless space. The first—a line of surface-mount downconverter modules—is ideal for current and next-generation mobile-infrastructure base-station applications. Known as the CV Series MCM converters, these densely integrated devices flaunt low cost, a minimized board area, high linearity, a low noise figure, and high reliability. In a single package, this is accomplished by using an integrating mixer, LO-amplification, and IF-amplification functions. Additional functionality includes frequency conversion via integral LO driver amplifiers. This powers the passive mixer with the option of off-chip IF filtering. The integral LO driver amplifier also enables operation directly from the synthesizer.

The first three CV Series MCM models to be released include the dual-branch downconverter for the cellular (CV210-1), PCS (CV210-3), and UMTS (CV211-1) bands. Additional dual- and single-branch models are planned for a future release. Each device is fabricated using ultra-reliable GaAs MESFET and InGaP HBT process technology. The result is supposedly the optimum mix between size, performance, and cost in a 28-pin, 6-x-6-mm, quad-flat no-lead (QFN) surface-mount package. The CV Series MCM converters are now available as fully assembled evaluation boards or loose samples. In unit quantities of 10,000 pieces, they sell for $6.99 apiece.

The company also recently introduced the AH31 IF amplifier. It is intended for use in current and next-generation wireless and wireline applications like cellular, CATV, PCS, and UMTS systems.

The AH31 amplifier is characterized by high gain (+20 dB), low noise figure (2.1 dB), and high linearity (+40-dBm OIP3). It comes housed in a low-cost surface-mount SOT-89 package. This highly reliable GaAs MESFET amplifier supports the IF processing requirements of high-channel-capacity, low-distortion, telecom-infrastructure applications. As an added benefit, the amplifier's 2.1-dB noise figure offers a significant improvement over many of the HBT devices currently on the market.

This low-cost SOT-89 part runs off of a single +5-Vdc supply with 150 mA of supply current. As a broadband MMIC amplifier, it can be configured for any IF band within the 50-to-600-MHz frequency range. Available now, the AH31 amplifier comes as six different reference circuits. This includes a low-noise configuration with an exceptionally low 1.7-dB noise figure. Contact the company for specific pricing information.

The last product announcement from WJ Communications is its new family of +13-dBm LO-drive mixers for low-side LO applications in the cellular, PCS, and UMTS bands. These LO-drive MMICs utilize passive Quad-MOSFET technology. They include integral RF and LO baluns within a 3-x-3-mm, six-pin, DFN surface-mount package. If a differential signal is not desired, an external IF balun can be used to accommodate single-ended operation.

These passive mixers do not require biasing. As such, they have a noise figure of 8 dB. Key features include +13-dBm LO-drive level, +27-dBm IIP3, 7.5-dB conversion loss, and excellent port-to-port isolation. The mixers will accommodate higher LO drive levels—up to +20 dBm—with improved performance.

WJ Communications, Inc.
401 River Oaks Parkway, San Jose, CA 95134; (408) 577-6200, FAX: (408) 577-6621, www.wj.com.

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