SCIENCE

ANADIGICS has introduced a new power amplifier (PA) for use in WiMAX customer premises equipment (CPE) and small cell infrastructure solutions. ANADIGICS' AWB7221 is the most power efficient PA available for WiMAX CPEs, and also enables cost efficient femtocells for 3G and 4G networks.

The high linear transmit power of the AWB7221 enables CPEs with a powerful uplink that supports wide, high data rate network coverage. The device's excellent power efficiency reduces the overall power consumption of a CPE or femtocell, leading to a reduction in system cooling requirements and less costly designs. The AWB7221 PA enhances network performance in key global WiMAX markets such as North America, Japan and Korea, and also supports new LTE or TD-LTE networks in the 2.30 GHz to 2.70 GHz frequency bands.

"A growing consumer appetite for enhanced wireless broadband applications is creating more demand for customer premises and small cell infrastructure equipment that delivers faster data speeds over greater distances," said Joe Cozzarelli, Senior Director, Broadband RF Product Line, ANADIGICS. "Our AWB7221 PA provides a practical and effective way for service providers to answer this demand, and to continue to roll out 4G to a broader market."

WiMAX CPEs provide an alternative to DSL and cable modems, and also play a key role in the transition to 4G, by offering consumers high speed wireless connectivity for their homes, shops or businesses. According to industry organization WiMAX Forum, nearly 600 WiMAX (fixed and mobile) networks have been deployed in 149 countries, with network coverage forecasted to be available to 800 million potential subscribers worldwide by the end of this year.

As WiMAX and other 4G networks continue to deploy worldwide, and 3G service providers seek to enhance their network coverage, the demands for small cell base stations such as femtocells and picocells will grow tremendously. Industry analyst In-Stat asserts that that small cell base stations are "vital to 4G deployment," forecasting that femtocell revenue will grow at an 83% compounded annual rate over the next four years, and that the number of carrier-installed metropolitan picocells will increase at a 378% compounded annual rate over the same period.

ANADIGICS' AWB7221 power amplifier is an optimal solution for current and next-generation CPEs and small cell base stations for 3G and 4G networks. Engineering samples are available upon request.

Key AWB7221 Facts and Highlights:

--  Manufactured using an advanced InGaP HBT MMIC technology offering state-of-the-art reliability, temperature stability, and ruggedness.

--  Delivers up to +28 dBm of linear WiMAX power with exceptionally low EVM, and also supports LTE air interfaces.

--  Operates at 17.5% power added efficiency at rated output power.

--  Supports the full 2.30 GHz to 2.70 GHz band.

--  Incorporates RF matching networks optimized for output power, efficiency, and linearity in a 50 O system.