Analog Devices Introduces High-Performance RF/IF Variable-Gain Amplifier at MTT Wireless Conference.

SAN DIEGO -- - Optimized to deliver the highest performance for wireless infrastructure applications, ADI's AD8368 VGA provides high linearity over a wide frequency range and integrates an on-chip rms detector.

Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal-processing applications and the leading supplier of high-performance amplifiers, today extended its portfolio of radio frequency (RF) integrated circuits (ICs) with a new analog-control variable-gain amplifier (VGA) that offers exceptional linearity over a broad frequency range for wireless infrastructure applications, such as cellular base station radio transceivers. The AD8368 is optimized to maintain dynamic range of base station radio transceivers, ensuring that both weak and strong incoming call signals are effectively handled and maintained. In addition, the AD8368 simplifies and reduces the number of external components required by integrating an accurate root-mean-square (rms) power detector on chip, which enables a complete automatic gain control (AGC) loop within a small 4 mm x 4 mm IC package.

The AD8368 is capable of sustaining high linearity (OIP3 of 34 dBm at 70 MHz) at the highest intermediate frequencies (IFs), allowing it to be used in all wireless standards, including 2G and 3G, as well as emerging broadband wireless standards such as 802.16 (WiMAX). The 380-MHz frequency range of the AD8368 allows the device to be used in both receive and transmit paths within any wireless infrastructure standard where the use of one or more AGC loops optimizes the base station dynamic range or allows the designer to add additional gain for optimal signal dynamic range and sensitivity.

"The AD8368 further solidifies ADI's portfolio of high-performance, highly integrated RF ICs for almost all wireless infrastructure standards and architectures," said Peter Real, product line director, RF and Networking Components, Analog Devices. "Providing high linearity up to 380 MHz, single-ended operation, and an on-board detector for AGC loops allows the AD8368 to be used across all the common intermediate frequencies, while simplifying design and reducing component cost. As a result, this solution can be used within multiple sockets in both receive and transmit applications."

About the AD8368 VGA

The excellent linear-in-dB gain control conformance and flatness of the AD8368 can be attributed to ADI's X-AMP(R) architecture, an innovative technique for implementing high-performance, continuous variable gain control. The AD8368 provides continuous 34-dB linear-in-dB gain control from -12 dB to + 22 dB. With a 3-dB bandwidth of 800 MHz independent of gain setting, a single-ended input and output drive, and exceptional linearity over the full operating range, the AD8368 is ideally suited for use in GSM, CDMA2000, W-CDMA, and TD-SCDMA cellular base stations. Operating from a single supply voltage of 4.5 V to 5.5 V, the AD8368 consumes only 54 mA of current.

Availability and Pricing

The AD8368 is sampling now with full production scheduled for April 2006. The device is priced at $4.55 per unit in 1,000-piece quantities, is available in a 24-pin LFCSP (lead frame chip scale package), and is specified over an operating temperature range of -40degreesC to +85degreesC. For more information, visit www.analog.com/AD8368.

Analog Devices' RF Expertise

Analog Devices' RF ICs have the high-performance specifications--such as temperature stability and high accuracy--that reduce component count, decrease cost, and ease design challenges, thus enabling new, highly desirable architectural changes to radio designs. Using a unique combination of design skills, process technologies, and system understanding, Analog Devices has a broad portfolio of RF ICs, including complete chipsets and a full range of high-performance RF function blocks. Among its extensive offerings are direct digital synthesizers (DDS); phase-locked loop synthesizers (PLLs); detectors and logarithmic operational amplifiers; fixed and variable-gain amplifiers (VGAs); TruPwr(TM) RF power detectors; mixers, modulators, and demodulators; integrated IF amplifiers; and the Othello(R) family of single-chip transceivers for cellular terminals.

About Analog Devices

Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the most long-standing, high-growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers around the world, representing virtually all types of electronics equipment. Celebrating 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices, Inc. is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, and employs approximately 8,900 people worldwide. It has manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts, California, North Carolina, Ireland, and the Philippines. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and ADI is included in the S&P 500 Index.

TruPwr(TM) is a trademark, and X-AMP(R) and Othello(R) are registered trademarks of Analog Devices, Inc. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners.