Avago Technologies – a provider of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications – has rolled out a new front-end module (FEM) - AFEM-S105 for Wi-Fi access points, which integrates a power amplifier, directional coupler, and SPDT antenna switch in a small-footprint.
Designed for mobile and fixed wireless data applications in the 5.15 to 5.85 GHz frequency ranges, the new AFEM-S105 module integrates multiple high-performance technologies to reduce PCB board footprint. The module’s dimensions measures 3.2 X 3.2 X 0.6 mm.
The integrated power amplifier in the AFEM-S105 FEM is optimized for IEEE 802.11 a/n Wi-Fi modulation. This feature helps the module streamline design of mobile and fixed wireless data applications in the 5.15 to 5.85 GHz frequency range.
Utilizing Avago’s proprietary 0.25 um GaAs enhancement-mode pHEMT process technology, the AFEM-S105 module is capable of achieving robust RF performance across voltage and temperature levels, as well as low current consumption.
In addition, the module exhibits flat gain and good match while providing linear power efficiency to meet stringent 802.11a/n mask conditions. And, all RF ports have been matched to 50 ohms - for simplified design.
Apart from meeting FCC 15.205 emission requirements at 15 dBm, the AFEM-S105 module also features high Tx - Rx switch isolation; gain of 28 dB; and stability under all loads or conditions.
“Designers are under tremendous pressure to integrate WiFi connectivity to bring new products to market first,” said James Wilson, director of marketing for wireless products at Avago, in a press release. “Our easy-to-use AFEM-S105 front-end module provides a highly-integrated, compact solution that can be quickly designed in to Wi-Fi access points and portable Wi-Fi applications.”
The new AFEM-S105 front-end module is priced at USD $2.00 each in 10,000 piece quantities.
Last year, Avago had introduced market’s first WiMAX coexistence FEM - AFEM-S257 - for simplified design of mobile electronics. This complete RF FEM is ideal for radios in mobile handset or portable PC applications and is tailor-made for coexistence operation of WiMAX with other cellular and WiFi radios in the same device.
In recent news, Avago unveiled a new high-gain, high-linearity power amplifier - MGA-43128 - for high-data-rate applications found in 700-800 MHz cellular infrastructure equipment. This amplifier provides superior signal transmission quality with low power consumption for LTE AP, CPE, and Picocell equipment. This device can also serve as a base station driver amplifier.
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Jayashree Adkoli is a contributing editor for MobilityTechzone. To read more of Jayashree's articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Jennifer Russell 
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