The SE4120S includes an on-chip high-gain LNA capable of delivering 18 dB of gain at a noise figure of 1.6 dB without the need for active antennas and external amplification. Under controlled conditions, systems using the SE4120S are capable of tracking satellite signals down to as low as -170 dBm. The device also uses a 3-wire IF connection bus, with near-zero IF and serialized data output, allowing non-proprietary general-purpose microprocessors running software-define signal processing to interface to the device in a simple manner.

The SE4110S incorporates an IF filter, a linear automatic gain control (AGC) amplifier, a 2-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), a tank circuit, an image reject mixer, a PLL, a low-noise amplifier (LNA), and a reference oscillator. The on-chip LNA delivers a noise figure of 1.6dB, resulting in an overall system noise figure of 2.5 dB typical. The device also features a multi-bit output and multiple reference frequencies.

The SE4110S and SE4120S both consumer less than 10-mA current when working across the 2.7- to 3.3-V supply range and deliver a footprint of 2.2 x 2.2 x 0.4 mm.

Pricing: Begins at $2.45 for 10,000
Availability: Samples available

SiGe Semiconductor, 613-820-9244, www.sige.com