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Optimum Technology Matching® Applied
GaAs HBT
InGaP HBT
GaAs MESFET
SiGe BiCMOS
Si BiCMOS
SiGe HBT
GaAs pHEMT
Si CMOS
Si BJT
GaN HEMT
Functional Block Diagram
RF MICRO DEVICES®, RFMD®, Optimum Technology Matching®, Enabling Wireless Connectivity™, PowerStar®, POLARIS™ TOTAL RADIO™ and UltimateBlue™ are trademarks of RFMD, LLC. BLUETOOTH is a trade-
mark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., U.S.A. and licensed for use by RFMD. All other trade names, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2006, RF Micro Devices, Inc.
Product Description
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
Ordering Information
BiFET HBT
LDMOS
1
2
3 4
6
5
8 7
Logic
Control
RF IN
GND
VREF
GAIN
SELECT
GND
RF OUT
NC
NC
RF2374
3V LOW NOISE AMPLIFIER
The RF2374 is a switchable low noise amplifier with a high dynamic range
designed for digital cellular and WLAN applications. The device functions
as an outstanding front end low noise amplifier with ICC as low as 3mA.
The bias current may be set externally. The IC is featured in a
2.2mmx2.2mmx0.6mm module-compatible plastic package.
Features
Low Noise and High Intercept
Point
Adjustable Bias Current
Power Down Control
Low Insertion Loss Bypass
Feature
1.8V to 4V Operation (See
Note: Page 2)
800MHz to 3.8GHz
Operation
ESD Class 1B
Applications
WLAN LNA with Bypass
Feature
CDMA PCS LNA with Bypass
Feature
GPS LNA with Bypass Feature
General Purpose
Amplification
WiMAX LNA with Bypass
Function
CDMA 800 LNA
RF2374 3V Low Noise Amplifier
RF2374 PCK-410 Fully Assembled Evaluation Board, 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz with
standard tune
RF2374 PCK-411 Fully Assembled Evaluation Board, 1.5GHz to 2.2GHz with
standard tune
DS101118
Package Style: QFN, 8-Pin, 2.2mmx2.2mmx0.6mm
2 of 13
RF2374
DS101118
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter Rating Unit
Supply Voltage -0.5 to +6.0 VDC
Input RF Level at F<2.3GHz +5 (see note) dBm
Input RF Level at F>2.3GHz +10 (see note) dBm
Current Drain, ICC 32 mA
Operating Ambient Temperature -40 to +85 °C
Storage Temperature -40 to +150 °C
NOTE: Exceeding any one or a combination of the above maximum rating
limits may cause permanent damage. Input RF transients to +15dBm will not
harm the device. For sustained operation at inputs >+5dBm, a small dropping
resistor is recommended in series with the VCC in order to limit the current due
to self-biasing to <32mA. Furthermore, while the LNA is in Bypass Mode, and
for sustained operation at the input, +10dBm is the maximum recommended
power level for Frequencies above 2300MHz. +5dBm is the maximum
recommended power level for Frequencies <2300MHz.
Parameter Specification Unit Condition
Min. Typ. Max.
Operating Range TAMB =+25°C, VCC=3.0V
Frequency Range 50 4000 MHz
WiBRO/WLAN/WiMAX Low
Noise Amplifier
Frequency 2300 2700 MHz
HIGH GAIN MODE Gain Select<0.8V, VREF =3V, T=+25°C
Gain 13.5 14.5 dB
Noise Figure 1.3 1.5 dB
Input IP3 +7 +9 dBm IIP3 will improve if ICC is raised above 7mA.
IP1dB 0 dBm
Current Drain 7 mA
BYPASS MODE (Low Gain) Gain Select>1.6V
Gain -4.0 -3.0 -2.0 dB Note: Bypass mode insertion loss will degrade
gradually as VCC goes below 2.7V.
Input IP3 +20 +21 dBm
Current Drain 2.8 3.0 mA Current drain includes ICC +IREF
GPS Low Noise Amplifier
Frequency 1575 MHz
Gain 17.5 dB ICC =6.5mA, ICC +IREF=7.5mA
Noise Figure 1.2 dB
Input IP3 +7.0 dBm
WiMAX Low Noise Amplifier
Frequency 3100 3500 3800 MHz ICC =7mA
Gain 11.0 dB
Noise Figure 1.6 dB
Input IP3 +10.0 dBm IIP3 will improve if ICC is raised above 7mA.
BYPASS MODE (Low Gain)
Gain -3.0 -2.5 dB
Input IP3 20.5 22.0 dBm
Caution! ESD sensitive device.
Exceeding any one or a combination of the Absolute Maximum Rating conditions may
cause permanent damage to the device. Extended application of Absolute Maximum
Rating conditions to the device may reduce device reliability. Specified typical perfor-
mance or functional operation of the device under Absolute Maximum Rating condi-
tions is not implied.
RoHS status based on EUDirective2002/95/EC (at time of this document revision).
The information in this publication is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed by RF Micro Devices, Inc. ("RFMD") for its use, nor for any
infringement of patents, or other rights of third parties, resulting from its use. No
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of
RFMD. RFMD reserves the right to change component circuitry, recommended appli-
cation circuitry and specifications at any time without prior notice.
3 of 13
RF2374
DS101118
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
Parameter Specification Unit Condition
Min. Typ. Max.
CDMA Low Noise Amplifier
HIGH GAIN MODE
Frequency 869 894 MHz
Gain 19 dB
Noise Figure 1.0 dB
Input IP3 +2.0 dBm IIP3 will improve if ICC is raised above 7mA.
Current Drain 7 mA
Low Band LNA
HIGH GAIN MODE
Frequency 50 950 MHz
Gain 20 dB 88MHz
Gain 19 dB 870MHz
Noise Figure 2.5 dB 88MHz
Noise Figure 1.5 dB 870MHz
Input IP3 +2.0 dBm IIP3 will improve if ICC is raised above 7mA.
Power Supply
Voltage (VCC)3V
Gain Select Low Level
(High Gain Mode)
0.8 V High Gain mode.
Gain Select<0.8V, VREF=3V (typical)
Gain Select High Level
(Bypass Mode)
1.6 V Low Gain mode.
Gain Select>1.6V, VREF: see bias note 2
Gain Select On/Off Time <150 nSec (C1 values range from 3 to 10pF),
Temp=-40°C to +85°C, and over process
Power Down 0 5 μAGain Select<0.8V, V
REF=0V, VCC =3.0V
Bias note: Due to the presence of ESD protection circuitry on the RF2374, the maximum allowable collector bias voltage (pin 6) is 4.0V. Higher
supply voltages such as 5V are permissible if a series resistor is used to drop VCC to <4.0V for a given ICC.
Bias note 2: In bypass mode, VREF is essentially a “don’t care” condition. Pulling VREF low when in bypass mode does conserve the small 1mA
to 2mA supplied by VREF
.
4 of 13
RF2374
DS101118
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
Package Drawing
Pin Function Description Interface Schematic
1RF IN
RF input pin. This part is designed such that 50Ω is the optimal source
impedance for best noise figure. Best noise figure is achieved with only a
series capacitor on the input.
2GND1
Ground connection. For best performance, keep traces physically short
and connect immediately to ground plane.
3VREF
For low noise amplifier applications, this pin is used to control the bias cur-
rent. An external resistor can be used to set the bias current for any VBIAS
voltage. This device will have good gain and noise figure with ICC as low as
3mA.
4GAIN SELECT
This pin selects high gain and bypass modes.
Gain Select<0.8V, high gain.
Gain Select>1.6V, low gain.
5GND2
See GND1.
6RF OUT
Amplifier output pin. This pin is an open-collector output. It must be biased
to VCC through a choke or matching inductor.
7NC
Not connected.
8NC
Not connected.
Pkg
Gnd
GND This pad should be connected to the ground plane by vias directly under
the device.
RF IN RF OUT
To Bias
Circuit
VREF
5 of 13
RF2374
DS101118
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
Evaluation Board Schematic
WLAN (2.4GHz to 2.5GHz)
Evaluation Board Schematic
GPS/PCS (1.5GHz to 2.2GHz)
1
2
3 4
6
5
8 7
C1
22 nF
J1
RF IN
R1
1.8 kΩ
VREF GAIN SELECT
L1
1.5 nH
C2
DNP C3
1.0 pF
J2
RF OUT
C4
100 pF
C5
10 nF
VCC
P1-1 VCC
P1-4 VREF
P1-3 GAIN SELECT
GND
P1
1
2
3
4
CON4
50 Ω μstrip 50 Ω μstrip
1
2
3 4
6
5
8 7
C1
22 nF
J1
RF IN
R1
1.8 kΩ
VREF GAIN SELECT
L1
3.3 nH
C2
DNP C3
1.8 pF
J2
RF OUT
C4
100 pF
C5
10 nF
P1-1 VCC
P1-4 VREF
P1-3 GAIN SELECT
GND
P1
1
2
3
4
CON4
50 Ω μstrip 50 Ω μstrip
VCC
6 of 13
RF2374
DS101118
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
Application Schematic - 869MHz to 894MHz Tune
Application Schematic for Wide Band Tune
WiBRO/WLAN/WiMAX (2.3GHz to 3.8GHz)
1
2
3 4
6
5
8 7
C1
22 nF
J1
RF IN
R1
1.8 kΩ
VREF GAIN SELECT
L1
3.9 nH
C2
3.9 pF
C3
10 pF
J2
RF OUT
C4
100 pF
C5
10 nF
VCC
P1-1 VCC
P1-4 VREF
P1-3 GAIN SELECT
GND
P1
1
2
3
4
CON4
50 Ω μstrip 50 Ω μstrip
100 Ω
Only needed below 1500
MHz to lower gain, improve
RL, and maintain stability.
1
2
3 4
6
5
8 7
C1
22 nF
J1
RF IN
R1
1.8 kΩ
VREF GAIN SELECT
L1
1.8 nH
C2
DNP C3
2.0 pF
J2
RF OUT
C4
100 pF
C5
10 nF
VCC
P1-1 VCC
P1-4 VREF
P1-3 GAIN SELECT
GND
P1
1
2
3
4
CON4
50 Ω μstrip 50 Ω μstrip
7 of 13
RF2374
DS101118
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
Application Schematic for Low Band Tune
Evaluation Board Layout
Board Size 0.835” x 0.900”
Board Thickness 0.032”, Board Material FR-4
1
2
3 4
6
5
78 C3
100 pF J2
RFOUT
VREF
R1
1.8 KΩ
J1
RF IN
C6
1000 pF
C1
22 nF
VCC
C2
DNP
L1
100 nH
C5
10 nF
R2
1.2 KΩ
P1
1
2
3
4
CON4
VCC
GAIN SELECT
VREF
C4
100 pF
GAIN SELECT
C3
DNP
8 of 13
RF2374
DS101118
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
GPS Band Data
Gain @ GPS Band in High Gain Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
14.0
15.0
16.0
17.0
18.0
19.0
20.0
21.0
22.0
23.0
1500.0 1520.0 1540.0 1560.0 1580.0 1600.0
Frequency (MHz)
Gain (dB)
Gain @ -40°C
Gain @ 25°C
Gain @ 85°C
Gain @ GPS Band in Bypass Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
-5.0
-4.5
-4.0
-3.5
-3.0
-2.5
-2.0
-1.5
-1.0
-0.5
0.0
1500.0 1520.0 1540.0 1560.0 1580.0 1600.0
Frequency (MHz)
Gain (dB)
Gain @ -40°C
Gain @ 25°C
Gain @ 85°C
Noise Figure @ GPS Band in High Gain Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
0.0
0.4
0.8
1.2
1.6
2.0
2.4
2.8
1500.0 1520.0 1540.0 1560.0 1580.0 1600.0
Frequency (MHz)
NF (dB)
NF @ -40°C
NF @ 25°C
NF @ 85°C
Noise Figure @ GPS Band in Bypass Mode
VCC = 3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
1500.0 1520.0 1540.0 1560.0 1580.0 1600.0
Frequency (MHz)
NF (dB)
NF @ -40°C
NF @ 25°C
NF @ 85°C
9 of 13
RF2374
DS101118
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
IIP3 @ GPS Band in Bypass Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF = 3.0V Over Temp
16.0
17.0
18.0
19.0
20.0
21.0
22.0
23.0
24.0
1500.0 1520.0 1540.0 1560.0 1580.0 1600.0
Frequency (MHz)
IIP3 (dBm)
IIP3 @ -40°C
IIP3 @ 25°C
IIP3 @ 85°C
IIP3 @ GPS Band in High Gain Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
18.0
1500.0 1520.0 1540.0 1560.0 1580.0 1600.0
Frequency (MHz)
IIP3 (dBm)
IIP3 @ -40°C
IIP3 @ 25°C
IIP3 @ 85°C
IIP3 @ GPS Band in Bypass Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF = 3.0V Over Temp
16.0
17.0
18.0
19.0
20.0
21.0
22.0
23.0
24.0
1500.0 1520.0 1540.0 1560.0 1580.0 1600.0
Frequency (MHz)
IIP3 (dBm)
IIP3 @ -40°C
IIP3 @ 25°C
IIP3 @ 85°C
10 of 13
RF2374
DS101118
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
WiBRO/WLAN/WiMAX Data
Gain @ WLAN Band in High Gain Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
18.0
20.0
22.0
2300.0 2350.0 2400.0 2450.0 2500.0 2550.0 2600.0 2650.0 2700.0
Frequency (MHz)
Gain (dB)
Gain @ -40°C
Gain @ 25°C
Gain @ 85°C
Gain @ WLAN Band in Bypass Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
-5.0
-4.0
-3.0
-2.0
-1.0
0.0
2300.0 2350.0 2400.0 2450.0 2500.0 2550.0 2600.0 2650.0 2700.0
Frequency (MHz)
Gain (dB)
Gain @ -40°C
Gain @ 25°C
Gain @ 85°C
Noise Figure @ WLAN Band in High Gain Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
2300.0 2350.0 2400.0 2450.0 2500.0 2550.0 2600.0 2650.0 2700.0
Frequency (MHz)
NF (dB)
NF @ -40°C
NF @ 25°C
NF @ 85°C
IIP3 @ WLAN Band in High Gain Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
2300.0 2350.0 2400.0 2450.0 2500.0 2550.0 2600.0 2650.0 2700.0
Frequency (MHz)
IIP3 (dBm)
IIP3 @ -40°C
IIP3 @ 25°C
IIP3 @ 85°C
IIP3 @ WLAN Band in Bypass Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
16.0
18.0
20.0
22.0
24.0
26.0
28.0
2300.0 2350.0 2400.0 2450.0 2500.0 2550.0 2600.0 2650.0 2700.0
Frequency (MHz)
IIP3 (dBm)
IIP3 @ -40°C
IIP3 @ 25°C
IIP3 @ 85°C
ICC + IREF @ WLAN Band in High Gain Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.0
2300.0 2350.0 2400.0 2450.0 2500.0 2550.0 2600.0 2650.0 2700.0
Frequency (MHz)
ICC + IREF (mA)
ICC + IREF @ -40°C
ICC + IREF @ 25°C
ICC + IREF @ 85°C
11 of 13
RF2374
DS101118
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
WiMAX Data
Gain @ WiMAX Band in High Gain Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
18.0
3100.0 3200.0 3300.0 3400.0 3500.0 3600.0 3700.0 3800.0
Frequency (MHz)
Gain (dB)
Gain @ -40°C
Gain @ 25°C
Gain @ 85°C
Gain @ WiMAX Band in Bypass Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
-5.0
-4.0
-3.0
-2.0
-1.0
0.0
3100.0 3200.0 3300.0 3400.0 3500.0 3600.0 3700.0 3800.0
Frequency (MHz)
Gain (dB)
Gain @ -40°C
Gain @ 25°C
Gain @ 85°C
Noise Figure @ WiMAX Band in High Gain Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
3100.0 3200.0 3300.0 3400.0 3500.0 3600.0 3700.0 3800.0
Frequency (MHz)
NF (dB)
NF @ -40°C
NF @ 25°C
NF @ 85°C
IIP3 @ WiMAX Band in High Gain Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
18.0
3100.0 3200.0 3300.0 3400.0 3500.0 3600.0 3700.0 3800.0
Frequency (MHz)
IIP3 (dBm)
IIP3 @ -40°C
IIP3 @ 25°C
IIP3 @ 85°C
IIP3 @ WiMAX Band in Bypass Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
12.0
14.0
16.0
18.0
20.0
22.0
24.0
26.0
28.0
30.0
3100.0 3200.0 3300.0 3400.0 3500.0 3600.0 3700.0 3800.0
Frequency (MHz)
IIP3 (dBm)
IIP3 @ -40°C
IIP3 @ 25°C
IIP3 @ 85°C
ICC + IREF @ WiMAX Band in High Gain Mode
VCC=3.0V and VREF=3.0V Over Temp
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.0
3100.0 3200.0 3300.0 3400.0 3500.0 3600.0 3700.0 3800.0
Frequency (MHz)
ICC + IREF (mA)
ICC + IREF @ -40°C
ICC + IREF @ 25°C
ICC + IREF @ 85°C
12 of 13
RF2374
DS101118
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
CDMA Data
Gain
20.0
20.5
21.0
21.5
22.0
22.5
23.0
23.5
24.0
24.5
25.0
850 860 870 880 890 900 910 920 930 940
Frequency (MHz)
Gain (dB)
Vcc = 3 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 3.6 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 3.6 V Vref = 3.6 V
Vcc = 5 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 5 V Vref = 3.6 V
OIP3
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
850 860 870 880 890 900 910 920 930 940
Frequency (MHz)
OIP3 (dBm)
Vcc = 3 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 3.6 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 3.6 V Vref = 3.6 V
Vcc = 5 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 5 V Vref = 3.6 V
IIP3
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
850 860 870 880 890 900 910 920 930 940
Frequency (MHz)
IIP3 (dBm)
Vcc = 3 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 3.6 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 3.6 V Vref = 3.6 V
Vcc = 5 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 5 V Vref = 3.6 V
OP1dB
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.0
9.5
10.0
10.5
11.0
850 860 870 880 890 900 910 920 930 940
Frequency (MHz)
OP1dB (dBm)
Vcc = 3 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 3.6 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 3.6 V Vref = 3.6 V
Vcc = 5 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 5 V Vref = 3.6 V
IP1dB
-15.0
-14.5
-14.0
-13.5
-13.0
-12.5
-12.0
-11.5
-11.0
-10.5
-10.0
850 860 870 880 890 900 910 920 930 940
Frequency (MHz)
IP1dB (dBm)
Vcc = 3 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 3.6 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 3.6 V Vref = 3.6 V
Vcc = 5 V Vref = 3 V
Vcc = 5 V Vref = 3.6 V
Noise Figure Over Frequency and Voltage
(VCC= 3V to 5V; VREF= 3V to 3.6V)
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
860 930 860 930 860 930 860 930 860 930
Frequency
Noise Figure (dB)
13 of 13
RF2374
DS101118
7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 · For sales or technical
support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
Low Band Tune Data
