RF Micro Devices Inc. (RFMD), a manufacturer of radio frequency components and compound semiconductor technologies, has announced the availability of the RFFM6903 front-end module (FEM). RFMD says the RFFM6903 FEM meets or exceeds the system requirements for smart meter applications operating in the 868MHz-960MHz frequency band.
The RFFM6903 integrates a +30.5dBm power amplifier (PA) with a Tx harmonic output filter in the transmit path, a Tx path bypass mode with harmonic filter, and a low-noise amplifier with bypass mode in the receive path and is packaged in a 6mm x 6mm x 1mm laminate package.
The solution also includes a low insertion loss, high isolation, single-pole three-throw switch and separate Rx/Tx 50 ohm ports that simplify matching and provide input and output signals for both the Tx and Rx paths, the company says. In the receive path, the Rx chain provides 16dB of typical gain with only 5mA of current and a noise figure of 1.7dB.
According to Rohan Houlden, general manager of RFMD's Wireless Connectivity business unit, the RFFM6903 is ideal for advanced metering systems requiring high efficiency and minimum output power of 1 W.
