DOCOMO develops compact multi-band power amplifier

NTT DOCOMO today announced that it has developed a prototype power amplifier for six frequency bands between 1.5 GHz and 2.5 GHz in a form factor smaller than multiple single-band power amplifiers conventionally used to provide the same function.

The amplifier’s compact size and six-band versatility, which eliminates the need for sets of single-band power amplifiers, will enable other components to use space normally occupied by the single-band power amplifiers. Power amplifiers are electronic circuits that amplify input signals to levels required for communications.

Packaged on a rectangular printed circuit board measuring just 8.05 mm x 6.2 mm, DOCOMO’s new prototype meets requirements for LTE, W-CDMA and GSM mobile communication standards, making it suitable for most domestic and international networks that use frequency bands between 1.5 GHz and 2.5 GHz.

Developed by DOCOMO with the support from Renesas Electronics Corporation, the prototype is a downsized, commercially viable version of the multi-band power amplifier that DOCOMO announced on January 8, 2010.

DOCOMO will exhibit the amplifier during Wireless Japan 2011 at Tokyo Big Sight from May 25 to 27, and during CommunicAsia 2011 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore from June 21 to 24.