September 19, 2012 – Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak) announced the launch of a 15.5dB gain block amplifier (Product Name: LTC6431-15) that achieves a high dynamic range in 50-ohm environments ranging from 20MHz to over 1GHz. Manufactured using the state-of-the-art SiGe process, the product is available in two performance classes. At 240MHz, the OIP3 of the Class A product is typically 47dBm, guaranteed to be at least 44dBm through comprehensive testing. The noise level is 3.33dB, meeting the input-referenced amplifier noise standard of 1nV/√Hz. Power consumption is less than 450mW. The combination of low noise and low distortion features provides the wide dynamic range required for high-performance mid-frequency communications and CATV applications.

The LTC6431-15 is easy to use. It is absolutely stable, and the input and output are internally matched to 50 Ohms. Therefore, the only external components required are a DC blocking capacitor and an RF bias choke. This product provides linear output swing operation of over 2V from a single 5V supply. The P1dB is typically 20.6dBm, and linearity is maintained up to 17dBm output power.

“The LTC6431-15 is Linear Technology’s first RF-based gain block and the only product to achieve GaAs-level performance using the SiGe process,” said Erik Soule, Vice President of Signal Conditioning & High Frequency Products at Linear Technology. “The result is outstanding AC performance, excellent repeatability, and stability with respect to temperature, power supply voltage, frequency, and output power.”

The LTC6431-15 is supplied in a 4mm x 4mm QFN-24 package with exposed pads for optimal thermal performance and low inductance. It is specified to operate at case temperatures from -40°C to 85°C. The price for the Grade A version is $4.89 per unit based on a quantity of 1,000, and the Grade B version is priced at $1.89. Further details are available at www.linear.com/product/LTC6431-15 .

Photo Caption: Gain block amplifier with excellent linearity even above 1GHz

Product Features: LTC6431-15

• 20MHz ~ 1700MHz bandwidth
• 15.5dB power gain
• OIP3 at 240MHz:
o 47dBm Typ, 44dBm min Class A
o 45.5dBm Type B Class
• 3.33dB NF at 240MHz
• >2V Linear Output Swing
• 20.6dBm P1dB
• 50Ohm single-ended operation
• Single 5V power supply, 90mA
• Absolute stability
• 4mm x 4mm 24-pin QFN package