The 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band is an unlicensed frequency range widely used for short-range wireless communication. Technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee operate within this band, making it a popular choice for a variety of wireless applications. As demand for compact and efficient wireless solutions grows, the need for advanced RF front-end modules becomes increasingly important.
To meet these needs, RADICO Microelectronics has introduced the RDAT212 RF front-end module. The T212 integrates key components such as a power amplifier (PA), low noise amplifier (LNA), antenna switch, and power detector into a single, highly integrated package. It also features specialized power-saving modes for both PA and LNA operations, enhancing efficiency without compromising performance. The module includes ESD protection on the antenna port, ensuring reliability in industrial environments.
Designed with a compact QFN 3×3mm² package, the T212 simplifies PCB design by integrating DC blocking capacitors and matching circuits. This reduces the number of external components required, making it ideal for space-constrained applications like mobile devices. The module’s high linearity and support for high-speed Bluetooth 2.0 make it well-suited for a wide range of wireless applications.
The T212's power amplifier is fabricated using an advanced GaAs Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (GaAs HBT) process, while the LNA and antenna switch are built using enhanced High Electron Mobility Transistor (E-PHEMT) technology. Although not a differential PA, the module offers differential input pins, eliminating the need for complex differential-to-single-ended designs. This makes it easier for developers to integrate the module into their systems.
In terms of performance, the T212’s PA delivers 20dB of gain in the 2.4–2.5GHz band, with a linear output power of 18dBm and an IM3 of less than -30dBc. It operates at a quiescent current as low as 10mA, with a saturated output power of up to 23dBm and a power-added efficiency of 45%. These features help extend battery life and improve overall system efficiency.
The integrated LNA provides 10dB of gain, with a noise figure below 2.6dB (including switching losses) and an IIP3 of up to +8dBm. The LNA also supports a bypass mode that can be used for power saving or to increase the receiver’s dynamic range. The T212’s power-saving functionality allows seamless switching between normal and low-power modes through simple control logic changes, making it ideal for Bluetooth Class 1 and Class 2 applications.
Additionally, the T212 includes a power detection feature that measures the output power of the PA via a voltage measurement at the PD terminal. The internal 50Ω matching ensures minimal PCB design complexity, and the module suppresses output harmonics to below -50dBc, often eliminating the need for external filters. This results in a smaller PCB footprint and lower system cost, which is especially beneficial for mobile Bluetooth applications where size is critical.
In Bluetooth applications, the T212 supports both Class 1 and Class 2 configurations. For Class 1, it delivers 20dBm of output power, extending the transmission range to over 100 meters. In Class 2 mode, it automatically switches to a power-saving bypass mode, consuming no current during idle periods. Its low noise figure of less than 2.6dB also improves the sensitivity of the receiving link.
For Wi-Fi applications, the T212’s low power consumption and high integration make it suitable for mobile devices. The PA consumes as little as 10mA in standby, and the LNA draws only 4.5mA. When used in 802.11g OFDM applications, it can output 15dBm while drawing 60mA. The module also includes a complete power detection solution, further simplifying system design.
Beyond Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the T212 finds use in various 2.4GHz ISM band applications, such as wireless audio/video transmission, handheld PDAs, smart toys, automated data acquisition systems, and industrial wireless control. The ESD protection on the antenna port, rated at 8000V human body model, enhances the durability and safety of industrial equipment.
For higher power WLAN and WiMax applications, RADI also offers the W260 PA chip, which operates in the 2.3–2.7GHz band and can deliver up to 29dBm of linear output power. A 5.8GHz version, the W560, is currently in development and expected to launch soon. This comprehensive product lineup ensures that RADI can provide complete RF solutions from low-power Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules to high-power amplifier chips for demanding applications.
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