Sharp Microelectronics Introduces High-Gain Power Amplifiers for Wireless LAN

CAMAS, Wash. – January 20, 2004 – Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas announces the availability of new high-gain power amplifiers for wireless LANs, supporting either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz single-band or 2.4 GHz/5 GHz dual-band configurations in North America.

These new RF components extend communication distances to 1.3 times the range allowed by previous amplifiers, while also offering low current use, high power output and optimized error vector magnitude (EVM). Products are available in production quantities starting in January 2004.

According to research analyst firm Strategy Analytics, the market for RF components for 802.11 WLANs is expected to approach $1 billion by 2008, fueled by the development of broadband applications and the growing number of enterprises deploying wireless LANs. Due to limitations of radio chipsets that can support a low level of power, power amplifiers are expected to remain as a separate component from WLAN chipsets.

Sharp developed its advanced 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz power amplifiers to support the growing market for products compatible with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a/b/g standards. These include products for home and office networking, entertainment, laptops, PDAs, access points and access cards. They are also ideal for applications that require extended communications distances such as those that support HDTV and streaming video.

“As a leading provider of RF power products, Sharp is uniquely qualified to take advantage of the growing demand for high-gain power amplifiers, and is currently working with a number of 802.11 transceiver chip vendors to ensure high levels of integration,” said David Kromer, Director of the Electronic Components Business Unit at Sharp.

To support its customers during the design process, Sharp also offers technical expertise, an evaluation board, as well as engineering support to help optimize PCB layout, according to Kromer.

Unlike other RF component manufacturers who make components for only one band, Sharp offers its power amplifiers in either a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, or as a dual-band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz component. This dual-band package provides the performance and integration levels necessary to support multiple IEEE 802.11a, b or g wireless LAN standards. Each amplifier comes in a 24-pin package, providing more flexibility and cost-effective design options. The 24-pin package also provides for a migration path to accommodate more advanced power amplifiers over time. By keeping the same package footprint for these components, Sharp customers have the option to use either chipset without having to rework the PCB.

Sharp’s new line of power amplifiers was designed in an advanced RFIC fabrication process that generates a 15 percent reduction in current usage compared to previous types, and offers sufficient gain to achieve the required output power and linearity required for WLAN systems at 54 Mb/s. In addition, since these new RF power amplifiers feature embedded power detectors, they require fewer external components, and therefore reduce board space and the overall bill of materials.

Price and Availability
Sharp’s high-gain power amplifiers are available now, and the IRM046U is priced at $1.62 in 10k lot quantity.

About Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas
Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas, Camas, Wash., is a U.S.-based company and a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, which is a subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, Osaka, Japan. Sharp is a worldwide developer of core digital technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the next generation of electronic products for consumer and business needs. Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas offers breakthrough memory, LCD, optoelectronics, CCD, RF/IR, microcomputer and system-on-chip components, along with packaging and integration skills that help design engineers throughout North and South America bring their ambitious ideas to market. Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas is dedicated to improving people’s lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design. For more information, visit www.sharpsma.com.