UM10483 BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 User manual Document information Info Content Keywords LNA, 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz, BFU725F/N1, WiFi, 802.11, WiMax, 802.16 Abstract This document describes how to use the BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board. UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board Revision history Rev Date Description v 1.0 20110916 first issue Contact information For more information, please visit: http://www.nxp.com For sales office addresses, please send an email to: [email protected] UM10483 User manual All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. 2 of 16 UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board 1. Introduction The BFU725F/N1 is a wideband silicon germanium amplifier transistor for high speed, low-noise applications. The transistor is designed to be used for LNA applications up to 15 GHz such as GPS, satellite radio, cordless phone, wireless LAN and satellite LNB. The BFU725F/N1 is packaged in a SOT343F that has 2 emitter pins to reduce emitter inductance (for maximum gain). The BFU725F/N1 is ideal for applications where cost is a concern. It also gives the designer flexibility in his design work, for bias current, frequency of operation, noise-figure, gain and P1dB. The 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration (demo) board is designed to evaluate the performance of the BFU725F/N1 applied as a LNA in the 2.4 GHz to 6 GHz range. In this document, the application diagram, board layout, bill of materials, and some typical results are given. Figure 1 shows the demonstration board. aaa-000220 Fig 1. BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board 2. General description The BFU725F/N1 is the first discrete HBT produced using NXP Semiconductor’s SiGeC QuBIC4x BiCMOS process. SiGe:C is a silicon germanium process with the addition of carbon in the base layer of the NPN-transistor. The presence of carbon in the base layer suppresses the diffusion of boron during wafer processing allowing steeper and narrower UM10483 User manual All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. 3 of 16 UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board SiGe HBT base and a heavier doped base. This results in lower base resistance, hence lower noise and higher cut-off frequency (higher gain). Table 1 shows a summary of the transistor performance in terms of noise and gain. Table 1. BFU725F/N1 VCE = 2 V, IC = 5 mA, Tamb = 25 C Frequency (GHz) Noise figure (dB) Associated gain (dB) 1.5 0.42 24 2.4 0.47 20 5.8 0.7 13.5 12 1.1 10 Table 2. Pinning information BFU725/N1 Pin Description 1 emitter 2 base 3 emitter 4 collector Simplified outline 3 Symbol 4 4 2 1, 3 2 1 mbb159 3. Application board The BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6 GHz demonstration board simplifies the evaluation of the BFU725F/N1 wideband transistor, for this frequency range. The demonstration board enables testing of the device performance and requires no additional support circuitry. The board is fully assembled with the BFU725F/N1, including input- and output-matching, to optimize the performance. For input matching, a compromise must be made between optimum noise/maximum gain/RL/usable bandwidth of the application and customer requirements. The board is mounted with signal input and output SMA connectors for connection to RF test equipment. Table 3. Design targets Symbol Parameter Value Unit NF noise figure <1.3 dB Gp power gain >14 dB s112 input return loss >10 dB s222 output return loss >10 dB 3.1 Schematic Figure 2 shows the demonstration board schematic. Figure 3 shows the required end-users application board schematic optimized for BOM count compared to the demonstration board schematic which is optimized for tuning flexibility. UM10483 User manual All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. 4 of 16 UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board VCC R12 0Ω R3 R4 49.9 kΩ 237 Ω C17 10 nF C15 18 pF R10 619 Ω L1 6.8 nH R8 619 Ω C16 RF_IN X1 L2 82 nH C18 R11 3.9 pF 10 Ω RF_OUT X2 U1 BFU725FN1 3.9 pF R9 0Ω aaa-000221 (1) Output series resistance (ROS) is set for VO = 1.2 V; reference voltage = 0.7 V. Fig 2. Demo board schematic VCC R3 R4 C17 49.9 kΩ 237 Ω 10 nF C15 L2 82 nH 18 pF R10 L1 6.8 nH RF_IN X1 1240 Ω C16 C18 R11 3.9 pF 10 Ω RF_OUT X2 U1 BFU725FN1 3.9 pF aaa-000222 (1) ROS is set for VO = 1.2 V; reference voltage = 0.7 V. Fig 3. Circuit diagram of the end-user application circuit (minimized BOM) demo board schematic UM10483 User manual All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. 5 of 16 UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board 3.2 PCB layout Figure 4 shows the board layout. aaa-000223 Fig 4. Printed-circuit board of the BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6 GHz demo board The PCB layout is an essential part of an RF circuit design. The demonstration of the BFU725F/N1 can serve as a guideline for laying out a board using the BFU725F/N1. Use controlled impedance lines for all high frequency inputs and outputs. Bypass VCC with decoupling capacitors, preferably located as close as possible to the device. For long bias lines it may be necessary to add decoupling capacitors to the line away from the device. Correctly grounding the emitters is also essential for the performance. Connect the emitters either directly to the ground plane or through vias, or do both. UM10483 User manual All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. 6 of 16 UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board The demonstration board is constructed from Rogers 4003C using the stack shown in Figure 5. 35.56 μm 304.8 μm Ro4003C 35.56 μm 655.2 μm FR4 only for mechanical rigidity of PCB 35.56 μm Fig 5. aaa-000250 PCB material stack 3.3 Bill of materials Table 4. Demonstration board BOM Reference Value Package Manufacturer / part number Comment C15 18 pF 0402 Murata GRM1555C1H180JZ01 decoupling C16 3.9 pF 0402 Murata GRM1555C1H3R9CZ01 DC blocking, input matching C17 10 nF 0402 Murata GRM155R71C104KA88 decoupling C18 3.9 pF 0402 Murata GRM1555C1H3R9CZ01 DC blocking, output matching L1 6.8 nH 0402 Murata LQG15HN6N8J02 input matching L2 82 nH 0402 CoilCraft 06CS82N output matching, DC bias R3 49.9 k 0402 various bias setting temperature stability R4 237 0402 various bias setting temperature stability R9 0 0402 various emitter degenerating resistor, used to set gain R11 10 0402 various stability R12 0 0402 various not required U1 BFU725F/N1 SOT343 NXP Semiconductors transistor X1, X2 SMA RF connector Johnson, end-launch SMA 142-0701-841 RF input, RF output X3 DC header Molex, PCB-header, 1 row, 3 way bias connector UM10483 User manual All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. 7 of 16 UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board 4. Required equipment The following equipment is required to perform measurements on the demonstration board: • DC power supply up to 30 mA at 3.3 V • An RF signal generator capable of generating an RF signal over the operating frequency range of 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz (preferably up to 12 GHz) • An RF spectrum analyzer that covers at least the operating frequency range of 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz plus a few harmonics, (up to 18 GHz should be sufficient). Optionally, a version with the capability of measuring noise figure would be convenient • Current meter to measure the supply current (optional) • A network analyzer for measuring gain, return loss, reverse isolation, stability and P1dB • Noise figure analyzer 4.1 Connections and setup The BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz demonstration board is fully assembled and tested. Please follow the steps below for a step-by-step guide to operate the demonstration board and testing the device functions. 1. Connect the DC power supply, set to 3.3 V, to the VCC and GND terminals. 2. Connect the RF signal generator and the spectrum analyzer; to the RF input and the RF output of the demonstration board respectively. Do not turn on the RF output of the signal generator yet, set it to 30 dBm output power at 2.4 GHz, and set the spectrum analyzer on 2.4 GHz center frequency and a reference level of 10 dBm. 3. Turn on the DC power supply and it should read approximately 11 mA. 4. Enable the RF output of the generator; the spectrum analyzer displays a tone of 2.4 GHz at around –10 dBm. 5. Instead of using a signal generator and spectrum analyzer one can also use a network analyzer in order to measure gain, return loss, stability and P1dB. 6. For noise figure evaluation, either a noise-figure analyzer or a spectrum analyzer with noise option can be used. The use of a 5 dB noise source, such as the Agilent 346B is recommended. When measuring the noise figure of the demonstration board, avoid connecting adaptors and cables between the noise source and the demonstration board, or de-embedded. UM10483 User manual All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. 8 of 16 UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board 5. Typical results 5.1 2.4 GHz data (de-embedded) Table 5. BFU725F/N1 demonstration board at 2.4 GHz Symbol Parameter Value Unit NF noise figure 0.8 dB Gp power gain >19 dB s112 Input return loss <11 dB s222 output return loss <12 dB s122 isolation >21 dB PL(1dB) output power at 1 dB gain compression >0.8 dBm Pi(1dB) input power at 1 dB gain compression >17.3 dBm IC collector current >10.5 mA 5.2 5.9 GHz data (de-embedded) Table 6. UM10483 User manual BFU725F/N1 demonstration board at 5.9 GHz Symbol Parameter Value Unit NF noise figure 1.37 dB Gp power gain >11.6 dB s112 Input return loss <9.0 dB s222 output return loss <12.0 dB s122 isolation >21.0 dB PL(1dB) output power at 1 dB gain compression >0.7 dBm Pi(1dB) input power at 1 dB gain compression >10.2 dBm IC collector current >10.5 mA All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. 9 of 16 UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board Trc1 Trc2 Trc3 Trc4 S11 S21 S12 S22 dB Mag dB Mag dB Mag dB Mag 10 dB / 10 dB / 10 dB / 10 dB / Ref 0 dB Ref 0 dB Ref 0 dB Ref 0 dB Cal PCao Cal PCao Cal PCao Cal PCao 1 S11 40 30 M1 20 M2 M 1 2.400000 GHz • M 2 5.900000 GHz M 1 2.400000 GHz M 2 5.900000 GHz M 1 2.400000 GHz M 2 5.900000 GHz M 1 2.400000 GHz M 2 5.900000 GHz -11.980 -10.164 18.912 11.694 -26.414 -20.753 -13.080 -12.271 dB dB dB dB dB dB dB dB 10 0 -10 M2 M M1 1 M2 M2 -20 M1 -30 -40 Ch1 Start 200 MHz Pwr -30 dBm 11/23/2010, 1:54 PM Fig 6. UM10483 User manual Stop 10 GHz aaa-000224 S parameters All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. 10 of 16 UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board Trc2 S21 dB Mag 1 dB / Ref 15 dB Ch2 Ca? PCal Off Trc3 S21 dB Mag 1 dB / Ref 15 dB Ch3 Ca? PCal Off Trc4 S21 dB Mag 1 dB / Ref 15 dB Ch4 Ca? PCal Off S21 M 1 19 Cmp 18 17 16 15 M2 14 2 M 1 -35.98dBm 19.144 dB M 2 -35.98dBm 14.513 dB • M 3 -35.98dBm 11.699 dB Trac Stat: Trc2 S21 -17.3 dBm Cmp In: 0.8 dBm Cmp Out: Trac Stat: Trc3 S21 -12.2 dBm Cmp In: 1.3 dBm Cmp Out: •Trac Stat:Trc4 S21 -10.2 dBm Cmp In: 0.7 dBm Cmp Out: Cmp 13 12 M3 Cmp 11 Ch2 Start -40 dBm — Ch3 Start -40 dBm — Ch4 Start -40 dBm — Freq 2.4 GHz Freq 4.1 GHz Freq 5.9 GHz 4/19/2011, 2:58 AM Fig 7. UM10483 User manual Stop 0 dBm Stop 0 dBm Stop 0 dBm aaa-000225 1 dB compression point (input and output) All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. 11 of 16 UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board Direct RBW: 1 MHz RF Atten. NOISE & GAIN 0 dB Average: 10 Auto Ref Level CALIBRATED On 2nd Stage Corr. On Image Rejection ... Current Value RF: 6 GHz ENR 15 dB NF. 1.77 dB LO: ... Loss In 6 dB Noise Temp. 145.88 K IF: ... Loss Out 0.3 dB Gain 11.75 dB Noise Figure Ref Marker[Noise] -62.7 dBm SWT 100 ms 0.991 dB Gain 2.4 GHz 1.8 20 1.6 18 SGL 1.4 16 PA 1.2 14 1 1 12 0.8 10 0.6 8 0.4 6 0.2 4 2.000 GHz 400.000 MHz/div (RF) 6.000 GHz Measurement Complete Date: 19.APR.2011 17:11:34 Fig 8. UM10483 User manual aaa-000226 Demonstration board noise figure 2.4 GHz (not de-embedded to de-embedded subtract 0.1 dB) All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. 12 of 16 UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board Direct RBW: 1 MHz RF Atten. Average: 10 RF: LO: IF: CALIBRATED 2nd Stage Corr. On Image Rejection ... 6 GHz Auto Ref Level On Current Value ENR 15 dB NF. 1.77 dB ... ... Loss In Loss Out Noise Temp. Gain 145.88 K 11.75 dB Noise Figure Ref NOISE & GAIN 0 dB 6 dB 0.3 dB Marker[Noise] -62.7 dBm SWT 100 ms 1.672 dB Gain 5.9 GHz 1.8 20 1 1.6 18 SGL 1.4 16 PA 1.2 14 1 12 0.8 10 0.6 8 0.4 6 0.2 4 2.000 GHz 400.000 MHz/div (RF) 6.000 GHz Measurement Complete Date: 19.APR.2011 17:11:56 Fig 9. UM10483 User manual aaa-000227 Demonstration board noise figure 5.9 GHz (not de-embedded to de-embedded subtract 0.3 dB) All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. 13 of 16 UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board Trc4 K Lin Mag1 U / Ref 0 U Cal int 1 M 12.400000GHz 1.2160 U • M 35.900000GHz 1.3498 U K 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 M3 M1 1 0 Ch1 Start 100 MHz Pwr -30 dBm 4/19/2011, 3:55 AM Stop 10 GHz aaa-000228 Fig 10. Stability factor 6. Abbreviations Table 7. UM10483 User manual Abbreviations Acronym Description BOM Bill Of Materials DCR Direct Current Resistance GPS Global Positioning System HBT Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor LFM Linear Feet per Minute LNA Low-Noise Amplifier RL Return Loss SMA SubMiniature version A All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. 14 of 16 UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board 7. Legal information 7.1 Definitions Draft — The document is a draft version only. The content is still under internal review and subject to formal approval, which may result in modifications or additions. NXP Semiconductors does not give any representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of information included herein and shall have no liability for the consequences of use of such information. 7.2 Disclaimers Limited warranty and liability — Information in this document is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, NXP Semiconductors does not give any representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of such information and shall have no liability for the consequences of use of such information. In no event shall NXP Semiconductors be liable for any indirect, incidental, punitive, special or consequential damages (including - without limitation - lost profits, lost savings, business interruption, costs related to the removal or replacement of any products or rework charges) whether or not such damages are based on tort (including negligence), warranty, breach of contract or any other legal theory. Notwithstanding any damages that customer might incur for any reason whatsoever, NXP Semiconductors’ aggregate and cumulative liability towards customer for the products described herein shall be limited in accordance with the Terms and conditions of commercial sale of NXP Semiconductors. Right to make changes — NXP Semiconductors reserves the right to make changes to information published in this document, including without limitation specifications and product descriptions, at any time and without notice. This document supersedes and replaces all information supplied prior to the publication hereof. Suitability for use — NXP Semiconductors products are not designed, authorized or warranted to be suitable for use in life support, life-critical or safety-critical systems or equipment, nor in applications where failure or malfunction of an NXP Semiconductors product can reasonably be expected to result in personal injury, death or severe property or environmental damage. NXP Semiconductors accepts no liability for inclusion and/or use of NXP Semiconductors products in such equipment or applications and therefore such inclusion and/or use is at the customer’s own risk. Applications — Applications that are described herein for any of these products are for illustrative purposes only. NXP Semiconductors makes no representation or warranty that such applications will be suitable for the specified use without further testing or modification. Customers are responsible for the design and operation of their applications and products using NXP Semiconductors products, and NXP Semiconductors accepts no liability for any assistance with applications or customer product UM10483 User manual design. It is customer’s sole responsibility to determine whether the NXP Semiconductors product is suitable and fit for the customer’s applications and products planned, as well as for the planned application and use of customer’s third party customer(s). Customers should provide appropriate design and operating safeguards to minimize the risks associated with their applications and products. NXP Semiconductors does not accept any liability related to any default, damage, costs or problem which is based on any weakness or default in the customer’s applications or products, or the application or use by customer’s third party customer(s). Customer is responsible for doing all necessary testing for the customer’s applications and products using NXP Semiconductors products in order to avoid a default of the applications and the products or of the application or use by customer’s third party customer(s). NXP does not accept any liability in this respect. Export control — This document as well as the item(s) described herein may be subject to export control regulations. Export might require a prior authorization from national authorities. Evaluation products — This product is provided on an “as is” and “with all faults” basis for evaluation purposes only. NXP Semiconductors, its affiliates and their suppliers expressly disclaim all warranties, whether express, implied or statutory, including but not limited to the implied warranties of non-infringement, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The entire risk as to the quality, or arising out of the use or performance, of this product remains with customer. In no event shall NXP Semiconductors, its affiliates or their suppliers be liable to customer for any special, indirect, consequential, punitive or incidental damages (including without limitation damages for loss of business, business interruption, loss of use, loss of data or information, and the like) arising out the use of or inability to use the product, whether or not based on tort (including negligence), strict liability, breach of contract, breach of warranty or any other theory, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. Notwithstanding any damages that customer might incur for any reason whatsoever (including without limitation, all damages referenced above and all direct or general damages), the entire liability of NXP Semiconductors, its affiliates and their suppliers and customer’s exclusive remedy for all of the foregoing shall be limited to actual damages incurred by customer based on reasonable reliance up to the greater of the amount actually paid by customer for the product or five dollars (US$5.00). The foregoing limitations, exclusions and disclaimers shall apply to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, even if any remedy fails of its essential purpose. 7.3 Trademarks Notice: All referenced brands, product names, service names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers. Rev. 1 — 16 September 2011 © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. 15 of 16 UM10483 NXP Semiconductors BFU725F/N1 2.4 GHz to 6.0 GHz LNA demonstration board 8. Contents 1 2 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 4 4.1 5 5.1 5.2 6 7 7.1 7.2 7.3 8 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 General description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Application board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Schematic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 PCB layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Bill of materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Required equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Connections and setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Typical results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 2.4 GHz data (de-embedded) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 5.9 GHz data (de-embedded) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Legal information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Disclaimers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Trademarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Please be aware that important notices concerning this document and the product(s) described herein, have been included in section ‘Legal information’. © NXP B.V. 2011. All rights reserved. For more information, please visit: http://www.nxp.com For sales office addresses, please send an email to: [email protected] Date of release: 16 September 2011 Document identifier: UM10483