A highly integrated single chip 5–6 GHz front-end IC based on SiGe BiCMOS that enhances 802.11ac WLAN radio front-end designs

A highly integrated 4.9–5.9 GHz single chip front-end IC (FEIC) is presented, which is based on SiGe BiCMOS, realized in a 1.6 mm2 chip area and in an ultra-compact 1.7 × 2.0 × 0.33 mm3 package. The Tx chain has >30 dB gain and meets −40 dB DEVM up to Pout of 15 dBm and −35 dB DEVM up to Pout of 17 dBm with a 3.3 V supply, insensitive to modulation bandwidths and duty cycle. The ultra-low back-off DEVM enables the emerging 1024-QAM applications. The integrated log detector enhances the dynamic range for the transmit power control. The Rx chain features <2.8 dB NF and 15 dB gain with 3 dBm IIP3 and 10 dB bypass attenuator with 23 dBm IIP3. All the unique features enhance the front-end circuit designs of complex radios based on the 802.11ac standard.