SiGe Semi Intros Power AmpSiGe Semi Intros Power Amp

OTTAWA -- SiGe Semiconductor today announced the SE2522L, a highly linear 2.4GHz power amplifier that delivers the industry's best combination of performance and power efficiency to IEEE 802.11b systems. The device combines an efficient silicon germanium architecture with power control circuitry to reduce current consumption by as much as 50 percent compared to competitors, while achieving superior power added efficiency that ensures reliable transmissions over an extended range. SiGe's SE2522L is sampling now, and is expected to drive 802.11b-enabled laptop PCs, computer peripherals, cellular handsets, and other handheld computing devices by year end. The SE2522L is the latest addition to SiGe Semiconductor's RangeCharger(TM) portfolio of wireless power amplifiers and front-end devices. It is based on the popular SE2520L, launched last December. Since its launch, the SE2520L has been selected by major manufacturers for 2.4GHz products, including 802.11b reference designs and cordless phones, which will be on the market later this year. SiGe's SE2522L leverages the proven architecture of the SE2520L, adding a power detector to augment the performance and simplify design of WLAN systems based on a CMOS radio. While CMOS radios are popular for their ability to meet low cost and high integration requirements, they produce variable power out that can affect the stability of WLAN transmissions. SiGe Semiconductor eliminates the need for extra circuitry to correct this by integrating a power detector that ensures output power stability. "Initial customer feedback of the SE2522L has been positive, and we are confident that the device will extend our penetration into the 802.11b market," said Bill Cuming, vice president optical, cable and components, SiGe Semiconductor. "When choosing from the range of power amplifiers available on the market, customers no longer have to sacrifice current consumption for performance. The SE2522L solves all of these requirements as an efficient, easy to implement solution." SiGe Semiconductor Inc.