The TMC252 from mmTron is a GaN Front-End Module that operates from 24 to 30 GHz. This single-chip IC consists of a power amplifier (PA), low noise amplifier (LNA), and transmit-receiver (T/R) switch. It uses a single pole, double throw (SPDT) switch to efficiently route the transmit signal from the PA to a common port, typically connected to an antenna or the received signal from the common port to the LNA. This front-end module requires a DC supply of 23 V and consumes 590 mA (Tx) and 60 mA (Rx) of current.
On the Tx side, this IC delivers a saturated output power of 6.3 W (~38 dBm) with a gain of 22 dB and a power-added efficiency (PAE) of 22% while on the Rx side, it provides a gain of 19 dB with a noise figure of 5 dB and has an output P1dB of 25 dBm. The module uses a positive control voltage to reconfigure the circuit’s common port, eliminating the need for a negative control voltage. It includes Au-based bond pad and backside metallization that is compatible with ribbon and wedge bonding, and high conductivity epoxy and eutectic die attach methods. This IC is available in an air-cavity surface-mount package that measures 5 x 5 mm and is ideal for mmWave 5G, point-to-point radios, fiber optics, military, EW, and space applications.
