Micro Linear Intros ML5824 Transverter/ML5803 PA

Micro Linear Corp. (San Jose, CA) announced two new 5.8 GHz integrated circuits, the ML5824 transverter, which allows customers to convert current 2.4 GHz designs to a 5.8 GHz design, and the ML5803 high-efficiency power amplifier (PA), which achieves a typical output power of 20 dBm.

The ML5824 provides the additional circuitry necessary to upgrade an existing 2.4 GHz product for use at 5.8 GHz. The transverter contains a PLL-based, fixed local oscillator; up-convert and down-convert mixers; an LNA, PA pre-driver; and filters and buffers. An innovative dual-gain mode receiver architecture is designed to exhibit low noise figure for low-input signals and high-input IP3 for higher inputs. It was specifically designed to enable manufacturers of 2.4 GHz wireless products such as Bluetooth, 802.11b, or proprietary radios. The ML5803 power amplifier has a power-added efficiency of 38 percent at its typical output of 20 dBm. It is internally matched and biased and is optimized for use with the ML5824 and ML5800 5.8 GHz transmitter outputs. The amplifier is packaged in a tiny, low-cost, 12-pin LPCC.

The ML5824 and ML5803 are currently sampling to alpha customers, and are expected to achieve engineering release in the second quarter of this year.