This simple solution combines NEC’s UPG2250T5N GaAs Power Amplifier IC with a pair of NEC GaAs RFIC Switches: NEC’s medium power UPG2214TB at the input and high power UPG2179TB at the output. The UPG2179TB delivers industry-leading performance and is especially well-suited for high POUT applications.

They’re assembled on an easy-to-use Evaluation Board that provides two paths for the transmit signal: One through all three devices, the other directly through the two switches, bypassing the PA. This “bypass” circuit is deigned for transceiver ICs with a single I/O to the antenna. The design of the eval board also enables the switches to be operated below their 0.1dB compression points, which helps eliminate the possibility of unwanted spurious output.

The UPG2250T5N is a Class 1 PA, designed to operate on supply voltages from 1.5 to 3.5 Volts. Manufactured using NEC’s newly developed E-mode FET process, it’s the only PA available that specifies — and guarantees — performance at both 3.0 and 1.8 Volts. It also features Sleep Mode, a simple-to-implement six pin layout, and a miniature, 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.37mm, RoHS-compliant package.

The UPG2214TB is a medium power SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) switch. It delivers best-in-class isolation and insertion loss performance — also at both 1.8 and 3.0 Volts. The high power UPG2179TB features high isolation, low insertion loss and excellent linearity. Both are housed in industry-standard, RoHS-compliant
SOT-363 packages..