April 15, 2014 – Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak) presents the 20 MHz to 2 GHz single-ended input and output fixed-gain amplifier (Product Name: LTC6431-20), offering 46.2 dBm OIP3 (Output Third Order Intercept) and an excellent noise figure of 2.6 dB. The product's OP1 dB (Output 1 dB Compression Point) is 22 dBm, an industry-leading level. It is available in two classes; the Class A version is 100% tested and guarantees a minimum OIP3 of 42.2 dBm at 240 MHz. The Class B version provides a standard OIP3 of 45.7 dBm at the same frequency. Both inputs and outputs are internally matched at 50 Ω from 20 MHz to 1.4 GHz, providing a frequency response with 20 dB power gain and flatness superior to 0.5 dB. The 50Ω internal matching simplifies the design, enables easy cascading, and minimizes the use of external components. Each amplifier requires only input and output DC blocking capacitors, and a choke to bias the open collector output.

The LTC6431-20, fabricated using a state-of-the-art SiGe BiCMOS process, provides excellent stability performance while withstanding power supply voltage deviations and temperature variations. The device is specified to operate in a temperature range of –40°C to 85°C.

The LTC6431-20 is ideal for amplifying IF and RF signals in low-distortion transmitters or receivers at frequencies up to 1.5 GHz. It is also ideal for digital pre-distortion receivers, the performance of which depends on maintaining low distortion in the signal path. In addition, the amplifier being announced is suitable for a wide range of broadband and narrowband wireless applications operating in broadcast radio, cable networks, white space data services, low-band LTE base station infrastructure, and public safety wireless.

The LTC6431-20 is available in a 4mm x 4mm QFN package. Driven from a single 5V supply at a power current of 93mA, the LTC6431-20 consumes low power.

Photo Caption: High-linearity 20dB gain block