Microchip’s 5 GHz RF Power Amplifier for New IEEE 802.11ac Wi-Fi® Standard Delivers Low EVM at High Power for WLAN Applications

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced the expansion of its RF portfolio with the new SST11CP16 5 GHz power amplifier (PA). This PA supports the new IEEE 802.11ac ultra high data rate Wi-Fi^® standard for 351 Mbps with 1.8% Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) at 19 dBM output power, enabling a longer range. Additionally, the SST11CP16 provides low operating current of 360 mA at 22 dBm, which enables more transmission channels at a higher data rate, per system. To conserve space, this PA is offered in a 3x3x.45 mm, 16-pin QFN package.

“In conjunction with high-efficiency operation, this new power amplifier can significantly extend the range of 802.11ac systems.”

In-Stat predicts that one billion 802.11ac products will ship by 2015. The SST11CP16’s low EVM and high linear power provide an attractive option for set-top boxes, routers, access points and other Wi-Fi devices that require data rates of up to 3 Gbps for applications such as wireless streaming video. Additional features of this new PA include a 50 ohm on-chip input match and simple output match for ease of use and smaller board sizes. Additionally, the SST11CP16 includes a linear power detector that is temperature-stable and insensitive to voltage standing wave ratios.

“The SST11CP16 builds on Microchip’s industry-leading portfolio of InGap/GaAs HBT-based power amplifiers by providing high output power with extra-low EVM and the same reliable operation over temperature,” said Daniel Chow, vice president of Microchip’s Radio Frequency Division. “In conjunction with high-efficiency operation, this new power amplifier can significantly extend the range of 802.11ac systems.”

Existing 802.11 standards can also take advantage of the SST11CP16’s features, at the following performance rates:

802.11a: 3% added EVM for 54 Mbps at 22 dBm; spectrum-mask compliant up to 25.5 dBm using Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing
802.11n: Spectrum-mask compliant up to 24.5 dBm using High-Throughput 20 Mhz mode

Development Support

Developers can begin designing today with the SST11CP16 Evaluation Board (Part # SST11CP16-QXCE-K), which is available now, via any Microchip sales representative.

Pricing & Availability

The SST11CP16 RF Power Amplifier is available today in a 3x3x.45 mm, 16-pin QFN package for $0.86 each in 10,000-unit quantities. Sampling and volume production are both available now.

For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at http://www.microchip.com/get/D2JG. To purchase products mentioned in this press release, go to microchipDIRECT or contact one of Microchip’s authorized distribution partners.

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About Microchip Technology

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at http://www.microchip.com/get/JXQC.

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Tags / Keywords: 802.11ac, Power Amplifier, RF Power Amplifier, Wi-Fi, WLAN, Ultra High Data Rate, 3 Gbps