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Product Information

Ka-band Plastic Package Low-noise GaAs HEMT

Ka Band Plastic Package Low-Noise GaAs HEMT
MGF4963BL
Contributing to lower satellite communication/broadcasting receiver cost
Overview
The Ka-band*1 plastic package low-noise GaAs HEMT*2 is used in low-noise amplifiers, etc. for the 18 to 20GHz band DBS*3 converter/VSAT*4 receiver. Until recently, the mainstream communication system using satellites has been the Ku-band communication system (downlink 12GHz/uplink 14GHz). As communication speeds have became faster, and as digital high-definition broadcasting (HDTV), etc. becomes more popular, the Ka-band communication system (downlink 20GHz/uplink 30GHz) is being increasingly utilized, as it enables larger-capacity communications. As a result, in North America the DBS service area able to show HDTV contents is expanding.

In such satellite broadcasting reception systems, the reception converter-which transmits the radio waves in the 20GHz band sent by the satellite to the receiver by converting them to an intermediate frequency near the 1GHz band-is built into the antenna. HEMTs are used in low-noise amplifiers in these reception converters. At the moment, high-performance expensive ceramic packages are the most frequently used HEMT device in the initial low-noise amplifier stage, for which excellent low-noise characteristics are required. But concurrently with the expansion of the DBS service area able to show HDTV contents, the demand for high-performance inexpensive HEMTs is also increasing.

Our HEMT product utilizes a plastic package, which is less expensive than a ceramic package. Further, it realizes industry-leading low-noise and high-gain characteristics, meaning it can be used for both the initial and subsequent amplifier stages.

*1 Downlink 20GHz (gigahertz)/uplink 30GHz frequency band
*2 Gallium Arsenide High Electron Mobility Transistor. It has better low noise characteristics than the ordinary transistor.
*3 Direct Broadcast Satellite
*4 Very Small Aperture Terminal
Features
Industry-leading high-frequency characteristics realized utilizing a plastic package, which also contributes to cost reduction
By optimizing the package and chip structures for the 20GHz band, we have reduced the noise figure (NF) (a scale used for measuring the noise generated by the entire device) of the product to 0.70dB*6. This is an improvement of 0.05dB*5 on prior existing devices. We have also realized a noise minimum power gain (Gs) of 13.5dB*6, which is an improvement of 3dB*7 over prior existing products. These results along with an inexpensive plastic package provide this product with industry-leading high frequency noise figure (NF) characteristics. It also achieves a noise minimum power gain (Gs) of 13.5dB*6, an improvement of 3dB*5 compared to conventional products. Furthermore, these results are realized in an inexpensive plastic package. Because it can be installed not only in initial stages, which require excellent low noise characteristics, but also in later stages which require high gain, this product also contributes to lower satellite broadcast and reception system and VSAT reception system costs.
*5 Standard value at a frequency of 20GHz.
*6 A comparison in which our company's "MGF4941AL" for a 12GHz plastic package was used at 20GHz.
Development efficiency improved utilizing a standard micro X package
We utilized a standard micro X package. This enabled us to use the standard foot pattern*7, which in turn enables our customers to improve their development efficiency.
*7 The pattern of the electrode section that is soldered to the wiring substrate.
Main Specifications
Recommended conditions: VDS = 2V, ID = 10
Noise figure (NF min.): 0.70dB (f = 20GHz, standard value)
Noise minimum power gain (Gs): 13.5dB (f = 20GHz, standard value)
Applications
From 18 to 20GHz band DBS converter low-noise amplifier
From 18 to 20GHz band VSAT receiver low-noise amplifier
 
Future Development
We will continue to enhance to our product line-up by raising the frequency limits of the plastic-package HEMT.
Block diagram
Example of a block diagram
Performance map
Performance map