Mimix Broadband Introduces Four Stage 36 to 43 GHz GaAs pHEMT Buffer Amplifier

Gain Increases with Frequency to Compensate for Other Component Roll-off Factors Common in 38 to 40 GHz Systems

September 14, 2001 Houston, Texas ­ Mimix Broadband announced today the introduction of a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) four stage buffer amplifier. Using 0.15 micron gate length GaAs pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) device model technology, this gain block amplifier covers the 36 to 43 GHz frequency bands. The MMIC device has a typical small signal gain of 25 dB, in which the gain increases with frequency to compensate for other component roll-off factors common in 38 to 40 GHz systems. This device also has a typical noise figure of 4 dB across the band.

This buffer amplifier, identified as XB1002, can be operated with all four stages biased in parallel, and can be adjusted for low noise or high power performance. The XB1002 is well suited for wireless communications applications such as millimeter-wave point-to-point radio, local multipoint distribution services (LMDS), SATCOM and VSAT applications.

"This is a general-purpose amplifier suitable for transmit or receive signal amplification, or for LO buffering in 40 GHz radios," stated Dr. Jim Harvey, CTO of Mimix Broadband. "Unlike many amplifiers at this frequency, the usable band extends well above 40 GHz, and the increasing gain with frequency may be used to compensate for the high frequency roll-off typical of power amplifiers and up-conversion mixers at 40 GHz."

Mimix performs 100% on-wafer RF, DC and noise figure testing on the XB1002, 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 and production quantities are available 12 to 16 weeks after order processing. Technical support is also available from Mimix’s applications engineers at 281.988.4600. Additionally, please visit Mimix’s website (www.mimixbroadband.com) for the XB1002 datasheet and additional product information.

About Mimix Broadband
Mimix Broadband designs, develops and markets high performance Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) for broadband wireless access technologies at millimeter-wave frequencies. The Company leverages strategic partnerships for manufacturing in order to expedite the time-to-market cycle and meet market requirements. Backed by experienced, highly successful stakeholders