Mimix Broadband, Inc. Introduces 18 to 50 GHz GaAs MMIC Distributed Amplifier

Distributed Amplifier Used in Wideband Military, Fiber Optic and Commercial Applications

June 23, 2005, Houston, Texas - Mimix Broadband, Inc. introduces today a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) distributed amplifier that can be used as an ultra wideband amplifier or a fiber optic modulator driver. Using 0.15 micron gate length GaAs pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) device model technology, this distributed amplifier covers the 18 to 50 GHz frequency bands. The device has a small signal gain of 17 dB with noise figure of 5 dB across the band. It also includes 30 dB gain control and +15 dBm output referred P1dB compression point. This amplifier, identified as XD1001, is well suited for microwave, millimeter-wave, wideband military and fiber optic applications.

"This device exhibits flat gain from 20 to 40 GHz and is useful from 18 to 50 GHz, with 14 to 15 dB gain at 3V drain bias, and 17 to 19 dB gain at 5V drain bias, with S11 better than -10dB, S22 better than -12dB, and maximum OIP3 in the 23 to 26 dBm range, depending on frequency," stated Dr. Jim Harvey, CTO of Mimix Broadband, Inc. "In addition to the control of gain through drain bias voltage, the gain can be varied by adjusting the gate voltage from 0 to -0.8V, with input referred third order intercept point (IIP3) ranging from +10 to 0 dBm as gain varies from 15 to 17 dB (at Vg = -0.2V for best IP3) down to -5 dB at Vg = -0.8V. The device is well suited to LO and RF buffering applications in broadband microwave radios, where a single part can be used for many applications. The part is also used as a sub-circuit in many of Mimix's highly integrated receivers and up-converters."

Mimix performs 100% on-wafer RF, DC and output power testing on the XD1001, as well as 100% visual inspection to MIL-STD-883 method 2010. The chip also has surface passivation to protect and provide a rugged part with backside via holes and gold metallization to allow either a conductive epoxy or eutectic solder die attach process.

Engineering samples are available today from stock, along with small production quantities. Technical support is also available from Mimix's applications engineers at 281.988.4600. The XD1001 datasheet and additional product information can be obtained from the Mimix Broadband website at www.mimixbroadband.com.

About Mimix
Mimix Broadband, Inc., an ISO 9001-registered company, designs, develops and supplies high performance monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) for microwave and millimeter-wave wireless communications applications. Mimix has assembled a team of world-class scientists that has focused on the development of state-of-the-art millimeter-wave MMICs for the last decade. The Company also leverages strategic partnerships for manufacturing, in order to expedite the time-to-market cycle and meet market requirements. Mimix combines its design capabilities in complete communications systems with semiconductor device expertise to deliver innovative solutions for its customers' most challenging applications.