ICs & Semiconductors

Designed to maintain signal integrity in satellite communications (satcom), the GMICP2731-10 has been released by Microchip. Satcom systems use complex modulation schemes to achieve the fast data rates required to deliver video and broadband data. This demands high RF output power yet all the while signals must retain their desired characteristics. The GMICP2731-10 GaN monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) power amplifier helps meet both of these requirements in commercial and defense satellite communications, 5G networks and other aerospace and defence systems, says Microchip.

The GMICP2731-10 is fabricated using GaN-on-SiC technology. It delivers up to 10W of saturated RF output power across the 3.5GHz of bandwidth between 27.5 to 31GHz. Its power-added efficiency is 20 per cent, with 22dB of small signal gain and 15dB of return loss. According to Microchip, the balanced architecture allows the GMICP2731-10 to be well matched to 50 Ohms and includes integrated DC blocking capacitors at the output to simplify design integration.

“As communication systems employ complex modulation schemes such as 128-QAM and as the power of solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) trends ever upwards, RF power amplifier designers have the difficult challenge of finding higher power solutions while at the same time reducing weight and power consumption,” said Leon Gross, vice president of Microchip’s Discrete products Group business unit. “GaN MMICs used in high power SSPAs can achieve greater than 30 per cent lower power and weight as compared to their GaAs counterparts, which is a huge gain for satellite OEMS, he said.

The GMICP2731-10 complements the company’s portfolio of GaAs MMIC RF power amplifiers, switches, low-noise amplifiers, and Wi-Fi front-end modules, as well as a GaN-on-SiC high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) driver and final amplifier transistors for radar systems.

Microchip and its distribution partners provide board design support. The company also provides compact models for the GMICP2731-10, which allow customers to model the performance and expedite the design of the power amplifier in their systems more easily.

The GMICP2731-10 is in volume production now.

http://www.microchip.com

Two LED drivers from ON Semiconductor, the NCL31000 and NCL31001, allow OEMs to enhance connected lighting systems.

Manufacturers can use the LED drivers to develop LED luminaires with light-based positioning technology and visible light communication (VLC). By adding data intelligence and accurate positioning (up to 300mm), the LED drivers will add intelligence to lighting in supermarkets, warehouses, hospitals, and airports, says ON Semiconductor.

The NCL31000 is designed specifically for luminaire applications. At the heart of the device is an energy efficient buck LED driver that supports both high bandwidth analogue dimming and PWM dimming down to zero current. The driver includes an integrated 3V3 fixed DC/DC converter and a further adjustable DC/DC (2.5 to 24V), which can be used to power system components such as sensing devices and the microcontroller. Integrating these power solutions in the driver dramatically simplifies system design while boosting efficiency, says ON Semiconductor.

The linear dimming enables VLC, to develop indoor light-based positioning systems that can be safely implemented in many locations where RF-based solutions cannot be used. These can be in hazardous spaces such as mines, or RF sensitive areas such as in hospitals or on board aircraft. The ability to dim to true dark with an accuracy of 0.1 per cent ensures that there is no ghost light at the lowest dim settings. Diagnostics integrate a 10-bit ADC to further reduce system complexity, explains ON Semiconductor. The ADC measures system voltages, currents and temperature to monitor LED and overall system efficiency, and detect any anomalies. A serial (I2C / SPI) interface makes all diagnostic data available to an external microcontroller that can monitor and control the intelligent lighting system. The architecture of the NCL31000 is claimed to deliver EMI that is at least 14dB below the requirements of CISPR15 / EN55015.

The second introduction, the NCL31001 is a companion driver to the NCL31000. It supports multi-string lighting applications, including those with colour control. It has the same features as the NCL31000 except for the DC/DC converters.

http://www.onsemi.com