Variable Voltage Gain Control Amplifier
0.8 - 2.0 GHz
AM55-0023
Features
• Highly Integrated Variable Voltage Gain Control Amplifier
• Operates with 3.0 V to 5 V Supply Voltage
• Greater than 40 dB dynamic range
• High Output P
: +17 dBm @ 3 V, 19 dBm @ 5V
1dB
• Low Cost 5 mm FQFP-N Package
Description
M/A-COM’s AM55-0023 is a high performance, voltage
controlled, variable gain amplifier. It has been designed for use
in a broad range of applications including cellular base stations
and mobile radio where AGC is required to increase system
dynamic range.
The gain control operates best in the 900 MHz range and also
has useable gain to 2.5 GHz. DC current is low at 160 mA at
3V bias and 200 mA at 5V bias. The package is a low cost
MLF.
The AM55-0023 is fabricated using M/A-COM’s 0.5 micron
low noise GaAs MESFET process. The process features full
passivation for performance and reliability.
Functional Block Diagram
RF In
VCTL2 VCTL1
RF Out
Ordering Information
Part Number Package
AM55-0023 FQFP-N 5.0 mm Plastic Package
AM55-0023TR Forward Tape and Reel1
AM55-0023RTR Reverse Tape and Reel1
AM55-0023SMB Sample Board
1. If specific reel size is required, consult factory for part number
assignment.
Electrical Specifications TA = +25° C
Parameter Test Conditions Units Min. Typ. Max.
Gain Frequency = 0.9 GHz dB 23 25
Frequency = 2.0 GHz dB 10 12
Attenuation Range Frequency = 0.9 GHz dB 40 44
Frequency = 2.0 GHz dB 37 41
I/P Return Loss Frequency = 0.9 GHz dB 14 17
Frequency = 2.0 GHz dB 7 10
O/P Return Loss Frequency = 0.9 GHz dB 11 14
Frequency = 2.0 GHz dB 10 13
Noise Figure (min attn) Frequency = 0.9 GHz dB 9 12
P
Max P
1dB
IMD V
V
Specifications subject to change without notice.
n North America: Tel. (800) 366-2266, Fax (800) 618-8883
n Asia/Pacific: Tel.+81-44-844-8296, Fax +81-44-844-8298
n Europe: Tel. +44 (1344) 869 595, Fax+44 (1344) 300 020
Visit www.macom.com for additional data sheets and product information.
when V
1dB
= 5 V dB 29 32
DDB
= 5 V dB 25 28
DDA
at 5 V dBm 14 18
DDB1,2,3
V 2.0
1
Variable Voltage Gain Control Amplifier, 2.0 GHz
AM55-0023
Operating Instructions
Two pins, VCTL1 and VCTL2 control the attenuation function
of this part. Varying these pins between 0 and 4.5 V controls the
attenuation. VCTL1 should be controlled first to avoid
degrading the input match and noise figure until more
attenuation is needed. VCTL1 controls an attenuator with 30
dB of range and VCTL2 15dB of range.
The AM55-0023 has two sets of Vdd pins. VDDA1,2 ,3 and
VDDB1,2,3. VDDA should be supplied with 5 V. This voltage
is internally stepped down to 3 V to reduce current
consumption. If current consumption is not a concern OR only
3 V is available to the part then the VDDB pins should be used.
Using the VDDB pins with 5 V will also give greater IP3/IMD
performance (See graphs).
Note: When using one set of bias pins the other should be left
open circuited.
Absolute Maximum Ratings1
Parameter Absolute Maximum
Input Power2 +20 dBm
Operating Voltages2 V
DDA/B1,2,3
Operating Temperature -40 °C to +85 °C
Storage Temperature -65 °C to +150 °C
1. Exceeding any one or combination of these limits may cause
permanent damage.
2. Ambient Temperature (TA) = +25°C
= +6 volts
Pin Configuration
PIN
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
PIN
Name
Input RF Input
NC
NC
NC
VCTL2 Second Attenuation Control
NC
NC
NC
VCTL1 First Attenuation Control
NC
NC
NC
Output RF Output
VDDB3 Bias Pins
VDDA3 Bias Pins
VDDA2 Bias Pins
VDDB2 Bias Pins
VDDB1 Bias Pins
VDDA1 Bias Pins
NC
Description
Typical Performance Curves
Output Return Loss
(over full attenuation range
0
-5
-10
dB
-15
-20
-25
0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2
FREQUENCY (GHz)
Specifications subject to change without notice.
n North America: Tel. (800) 366-2266, Fax (800) 618-8883
n Asia/Pacific: Tel.+81-44-844-8296, Fax +81-44-844-8298
n Europe: Tel. +44 (1344) 869 595, Fax+44 (1344) 300 020
Visit www.macom.com for additional data sheets and product information.
Input Return Loss
(over full attenuation range)
0
-5
-10
-15
-20
dB
-25
-30
-35
-40
-45
0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2
FREQUENCY (GHz)
V 2.0
2