Dual-path power amplifier linearizer 'SC2200'
Improve wireless base station system efficiency, reduce power consumption and costs

Maxim Integrated Products Korea (CEO Hyun-sik Kim) announced the 'SC2200', a dual-path radio frequency power amplifier linearizer (RFPAL). Design designers can use the SC2200 to lower power consumption and costs, and reduce the size of the radio frequency (RF) front-end.

The Maxim SC2200 linearizer consumes up to 70% less power than a 37dBm power amplifier operating in back-off. Compared to Digital Pre-Distortion (DPD) solutions, component configuration costs are up to 50% lower and the size is up to eight times smaller.

The Maxim SC2200 application occupies a small board space of less than 1 square inch. It consumes less than 1.5W of power when both paths are fully operational, while increasing power amplifier efficiency. By utilizing the SC2200, which strictly complies with Spectral Emission and Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) regulatory requirements, manufacturers and operators can reduce deployment and operation costs and gain a competitive advantage.



With mobile phone data traffic increasing exponentially today, the telecommunications industry is shifting its focus from voice-centric macro networks to heterogeneous networks with expanded reach and capacity. The Maxim SC2200 is the best alternative to the inefficient method of operating power amplifiers in backoff mode, and it is preferred over DPDs because it does not require additional software or the development of complex algorithms.

Equipped with an integrated preamplifier and a single 1.8V supply, the SC2200 operates optimally across a wide range of power amplifier architectures, technologies, and power levels. It is suitable for all 2G, 3G, and 4G systems, including TD-LTE and FD-LTE. It is an ideal solution for mobile phone infrastructure applications such as macro and small radio base stations, distributed antenna systems (DAS), active antenna systems (AAS), remote radio heads, and other multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems.

“Maxim’s RF power amplifier linearizer technology has already been proven to be excellent through its use in early 5G systems utilizing millions of base stations and large-scale MIMO antenna arrays. Based on this technology, the Maxim SC2200 supports a high level of integration and functionality, enabling base station suppliers to significantly reduce system costs,” said Elina Todorov, Business Manager at Maxim Integrated.

The SC2200 is available in an 11mm x 11mm SAWN QFN package. It operates in a temperature range of -40°C to +100°C, and evaluation boards (SC2200-EVK900, SC2200-EVK1900, SC2200-EVK2400) are also available. Detailed product information on the SC2200 can be found on the Maxim website. Maxim's portfolio of RF power amplifier linearizers can be found on the Maxim website.