Guerrilla RF Inc. introduces GRF2073-W, a new addition to the company’s growing list of AEC-Q100 automotive-qualified amplifiers. This ultra-low noise amplifier is targeted at high-volume applications, with first-stage satellite radio LNAs and GPS modules being prime examples. It is offered in an industry-standard, ultra-small 2.0 x 2.0 mm DFN-8 package thus sharing a common pin out with other infrastructure-class devices from Guerrilla RF.

“Guerrilla RF is proud to offer this new amplifier for automotive applications which addresses an industry need for a cost-effective, first-stage LNA delivering outstanding RF performance with low power consumption over a wide frequency range. The device’s ultra-low noise figure capability is critical for achieving the difficult cascaded NF specification for digital audio satellite radio service (SDARS) receivers in the 2320 to 2345 MHz band,” said Alan Ake, vice president of applications and technical marketing at Guerrilla RF. “Furthermore, simple matching along with the 2.0 mm DFN-8 package results in a compact application footprint.”

According to Technavio’s Global Automotive Antenna Module Market report, the market is expected to grow steadily at a compound annual growth rate of 7.66 percent to 1,549.24 million by 2021. The market is driven by several factors, including the rise of wireless connectivity in vehicles, the rising adoption of embedded cellular connectivity, the drive toward autonomous vehicles, economies of scale advantage in satellite antennas, the legislative push to have eCall in cars, and the growing popularity of the truck platooning system. Additionally, the average age of car buyers in developed regions like the United States in increasing, owing to higher disposable income.

About Guerrilla RF’s New Automotive LNA

• The GRF2073-W can operate over a range of Vdd from 2.7 to 5.0 V, and Iddq can be controlled independently from Vdd – thus allowing the device efficiency to be optimized for a given application requirement. 
• The device can cover 2300 to 2700 MHz with a single set of external components with gain: 20.5 dB, OP1dB: 20.0 dBm, NF: 0.40 dB at 2300 MHz with bias at 5.0 V and 70 mA.
• Flexible biasing can accommodate Vdd from 2.7 to 5.0 V and Iddq from 20 mA to 100 mA.

Pricing and Availability

GRF2073-W samples and evaluation boards are available now. Pricing for 10,000 parts is $1.25.