Infineon BGA420 Low-Noise Amplifier for RF Applications

The Infineon BGA420 is a silicon-based monolithic integrated broadband low-noise amplifier (LNA) designed for a wide range of RF applications. Operating within a frequency range from DC up to 2.5 GHz, it is an ideal solution for applications requiring high gain and minimal added noise, such as in mobile infrastructure, base stations, wireless communication systems, and GPS receivers.

A key performance metric for any LNA is its noise figure, which directly impacts the sensitivity of the entire receiving system. The BGA420 excels in this regard, offering an exceptionally low noise figure of just 0.9 dB at 900 MHz and 1.1 dB at 1.9 GHz. This ensures that the very weak signals captured by the antenna are amplified with minimal degradation of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), preserving the integrity of the desired signal from the outset.

Complementing its low-noise performance is its high gain capability. The amplifier provides a typical power gain of 19.5 dB at 900 MHz. This significant amplification boosts signal strength to a level suitable for processing by subsequent stages in the receiver chain, such as mixers or filters, without requiring additional amplifier stages, thereby simplifying design and reducing costs.

The device is also characterized by its high linearity, with a typical output third-order intercept point (OIP3) of +21 dBm. This robust linearity is crucial for handling strong interfering signals without generating significant intermodulation distortion, which can corrupt the desired signal. This makes the BGA420 well-suited for dense signal environments.

Housed in a compact, lead-free SOT343 (SC-70) surface-mount package, the BGA420 is designed for high-volume manufacturing. Its simple biasing circuit, requiring only a few external components, allows for a very small footprint on the PCB. Furthermore, it is internally matched to 50 Ω on both input and output, which simplifies integration into RF systems and reduces design time.

ICGOOODFIND: The Infineon BGA420 stands out as a superior choice for designers seeking a combination of ultra-low noise, high gain, and excellent linearity in a compact, easy-to-use package. Its broadband performance makes it an incredibly versatile component for enhancing the front-end sensitivity of a vast array of RF receivers.

Keywords:

Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA)

Noise Figure

RF Applications

High Gain

Linearity