Power amplifiers for mobiles boast digital power mode control

Avago Technologies' new power amplifier modules (PAMs) extend the talk time for GSM/EDGE handsets using the company's sixth-generation CoolPAM technology, which enhances power efficiency with digital power mode control.

The company said its ACPM-7868 PAMs are fully compatible with Qualcomm's newest generation of chipsets that support linear quad-band GSM/EDGE operation, leading to more power efficient handsets.

Two mode control pins provide a total of seven power modes—four for low band and three for high band. Avago said that at 29dBm antenna power, the PAMs save more than 100mA and reduce quiescent current down to 8.5mA typically.

The modules, which are manufactured on advanced InGaP HBT technology to ensure reliability, ruggedness and temperature stability, feature pre-distortion by chipset for better linearity and efficiency and incorporate 50ohm matching networks for both RF input and output.

The modules are available in a compact 16-pin 5x5x0.9mm lead-free and RoHS-compliant surface mount package.