BBA-322-A
BBA-519-A
WIRELESS MADE SIMPLE
®
BBA SERIES RF AMPLIFIER DATA GUIDE
DESCRIPTION
The BBA Series is a family of low-cost high-
performance broadband RF amplifiers. The
modules are ideally suited to a wide range of
0.360"
AMP MODULE
BBA-519-A
amplification and buffering applications,
LOT 0100
including extending the range of Linx’s own RF
modules (where legally appropriate). Housed in
0.500"
a compact SMD package, the hybrid amps are
matched to 50Ω source and load impedances.
The modules utilize a GaHBT gain stage, which
0.130"
yields high gain and IP3, excellent flatness, and
low noise. The BBA-322-A is the high gain
Typ.
model and is suitable for the LNA stage of many
receivers. This extra gain stage on the front end
of a receiver can improve the sensitivity and
Figure 1: BBA Package Dimensions
provide a greater range for the product. The BBA-519-A is the high power model and
is suitable for the final gain stage in a transmitter. This amplifier can boost the output
power of a transmitter to much higher levels and provide a significant increase in
range (where legally appropriate).
BBA SERIES FEATURES
Prematched for 50Ω impedance
No external RF components
required
Exceptional gain flatness
Compact SMD package
Operates from a single supply
BBA-322-A FEATURES
High gain
3.8dB noise figure
DC-3GHz broadband operation
+20dB small signal gain at
900MHz
Up to +10dB (10mW) linear
output power
BBA-519-A FEATURES
High output
4.8dB noise figure
10MHz-3GHz broadband
operation
+18dB small signal gain at
900MHz
Up to +17dB (50mW) linear
output power
APPLICATIONS INCLUDE
TX / RX Range Enhancement
IF or RF Buffering
Driver or Final Stage for PA
General Purpose Gain Blocks
ORDERING INFORMATION
PART #
DESCRIPTION
BBA-322-A
High Gain RF Amplifier
BBA-519-A
High Power RF Amplifier
Amplifiers are supplied in tubes of 50 pcs.
Revised 1/28/08
BBA-322-A ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Parameter
POWER SUPPLY
Operating Voltage
Supply Current
AMPLIFIER SECTION
Frequency Range
Gain:
@ 100MHz
@ 1,000MHz
@ 2,000MHz
@ 3,000MHz
Gain Ripple
Noise Figure
Input VSWR
Output VSWR
Output IP3
Output P
1dB
Reverse Isolation
ANTENNA PORT
RF Input Impedance
ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating Temperature Range
–
-40
–
+85
R
IN
–
50
–
Ω
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
F
C
–
DC
-50
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
21.0
20.0
17.0
14.0
±2
3.8
2.3
2.1
+22.5
+11.2
20
3,000
+50
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
MHz
kHz
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
–
–
dBm
dBm
dB
2
–
–
–
–
–
3
4
5
5
6
4
4
Designation
V
CC
I
CC
Min.
4.8
–
Typical
–
35.0
Max.
5.2
65.0
Units
VDC
mA
Notes
1
–
BBA-519-A ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Parameter
POWER SUPPLY
Operating Voltage
Supply Current
AMPLIFIER SECTION
Frequency Range
Gain:
@ 100MHz
@ 1,000MHz
@ 2,000MHz
@ 3,000MHz
@ 4,000MHz
Gain Ripple
Noise Figure
Input VSWR
Output VSWR
Output IP3
Output P
1dB
Reverse Isolation
ANTENNA PORT
RF Input Impedance
R
IN
–
–
-40
50
–
–
+85
Ω
–
–
ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating Temperature Range
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
F
C
–
10
-50
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
18.5
17.5
15.5
13.5
12.5
±2
4.8
2.1
1.8
+33
+18.5
20
4,000
+50
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
MHz
kHz
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
–
–
dBm
dBm
dB
2
–
–
–
–
–
–
3
4
5
5
6
7
4
Designation
V
CC
I
CC
Min.
4.8
–
Typical
–
60.0
Max.
5.2
65.0
Units
VDC
mA
Notes
1
–
°
C
Notes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
5.2V to 12V range is possible with the appropriate current-limiting resistor.
T = 25°C, I
CC
= 35mA.
100MHz to 2,000MHz.
At 2,000MHz.
In a 50Ω system, DC to 3,000MHz.
At 2,000MHz ± 50kHz, P
TONE
= -18dBm.
°
C
Notes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
5.2V to 12V range is possible with the appropriate current-limiting resistor.
T = 25°C, I
CC
= 65mA.
100MHz to 2,000MHz.
At 2,000MHz.
In a 50Ω system, DC to 4,000MHz.
At 1,000MHz ± 50kHz, P
TONE
= -10dBm.
At 1,000MHz.
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
Supply Voltage V
CC
Supply Current
RF Input
Operating Temperature
Storage Temperature
Soldering Temperature
+4.8
to
+5.2
65
+15
0
to
+70
-60
to
+150
+225°C for 10 seconds
VDC
mA
dBm
°C
°C
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
Supply Voltage V
CC
Supply Current
RF Input
Operating Temperature
Storage Temperature
Soldering Temperature
+4.8
to
+5.2
120
+13
0
to
+70
-60
to
+150
+225°C for 10 seconds
VDC
mA
dBm
°C
°C
*NOTE*
Exceeding any of the limits of this section may lead to permanent
damage to the device. Furthermore, extended operation at these maximum
ratings may reduce the life of this device.
*NOTE*
Exceeding any of the limits of this section may lead to permanent
damage to the device. Furthermore, extended operation at these maximum
ratings may reduce the life of this device.
*CAUTION*
This product incorporates numerous static-sensitive components.
Always wear an ESD wrist strap and observe proper ESD handling
procedures when working with this device. Failure to observe this
precaution may result in module damage or failure.
Page 2
*NOTE* The purchaser of this device should be aware that approvals may be
required by applicable governing bodies for systems producing RF energy. It
is the responsibility of the user to determine and adhere to the appropriate
regulations for the region in which operation is intended.
Page 3
PERFORMANCE DATA
These performance parameters
are based on module operation at
25°C from a 5.0VDC supply with a
-50dBm input unless otherwise
noted. Figure 2 illustrates the
connections necessary for testing
and operation. It is recommended
all ground pins be connected to the
ground plane.
VCC
1
2
3
4
GND
GND RF OUT
VCC
GND
GND
GND
RF IN
GND
BBA-519-A
GND
8
7
6
5
THEORY OF OPERATION
The BBA Series is a family of low-cost, high-performance, broadband RF
amplifiers. They utilize an advanced Gallium Arsenide Heterojunction Bipolar
Transistor (HBT) gain stage, which yields high gain and IP3, excellent flatness,
and low noise. They are self-contained with 50Ω input and output impedances
and require only one external DC biasing resistor to operate as specified.
The BBA-322-A is the high gain model and is suitable for the LNA stage of many
receivers. This extra gain stage on the front end of a receiver can improve the
sensitivity and provide a greater range for the product.
The BBA-519-A is the high power model and is suitable for the final gain stage
in a transmitter. This amplifier can boost the output power of a transmitter to
much higher levels and provide a significant increase in range (where legally
appropriate).
VCC
Figure 2: Test / Basic Application Circuit
PIN ASSIGNMENTS
1
2
3
4
GND RF OUT
VCC
GND
GND
GND
RF IN
GND
8
7
6
5
RF OUT
Figure 3: BBA Series Amplifier Pinout (Top View)
PIN DESCRIPTIONS
Pin #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
RF IN
Name
GND
V
CC
GND
RF IN
GND
GND
GND
RF OUT
Description
Analog Ground
Supply Voltage
Analog Ground
50-ohm RF Input
GND
Analog Ground
Figure 4: BBA Series Amplifier Schematic
Analog Ground
Analog Ground
50-ohm RF Output
OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
The use of a gain stage can produce a significant increase in the range
performance of an RF link. It is important to note that it can also introduce
detrimental effects, such as the following:
• Amplification of harmonics and LO along with the fundamental carrier frequency.
• Adverse effect on the front-end noise figure on receivers.
• Potential damage if the receiver input is not capable of accommodating high
input power levels.
• Risk of generating illegal power levels and unacceptable interference.
It is up to the designer to ensure that the final product will comply with all
appropriate regulations in the county of intended use.
Table 1: BBA Series Amplifier Pin Descriptions
Page 4
Page 5
POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS
The module does not have an internal voltage
Vcc TO
regulator; therefore it requires a clean, well-regulated
MODULE
power source. While it is preferable to power the unit
10Ω
from a battery, the unit can also be operated from a
Vcc IN
power supply as long as noise is less than 20mV.
10μF
Power supply noise can significantly affect the
performance; therefore, providing a clean power
supply for the module should be a high priority during
Figure 5: Supply Filter
design.
A 10Ω resistor in series with the supply followed by a 10µF tantalum capacitor
from V
CC
to ground will help in cases where the quality of supply power is poor.
These values may need to be adjusted depending on the noise present on the
supply line.
The power supply must be regulated to within the primary range specified or the
maximum current limited using an appropriate resistance in series with the
amplifier’s positive supply pin. Failure to observe the supply limits will irreparably
damage the device. The resistor should be selected so that the device current is
limited to or less than the maximum rated current. The resistor value may be
easily selected using the following formula:
+
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
The schematic in the figure below shows a typical configuration for amplifying the
output of a transmitter.
VCC
VCC
1
GND
RF OUT
GND
GND
GND
RF IN
GND
BBA-519-A
GND
8
7
6
5
270Ω
1
TX DATA
GND
ANT
GND
3 VCC
LO V D
4 GND /CLK SE
/CLK
TXM-xxx-ES
PDN
10
9
8
7 GND
6
4
Figure 6: Typical Application Circuit
In this circuit, the BBA-519-A amplifies the output of the ES Series transmitter.
The transmitter operates on 3V while the amplifier requires 5V, so a 270Ω
resistor is used to drop the 5V supply to 3V for the transmitter.
This configuration would result in a 6 to 7 times increase in system range. Note
that such output levels may render the transmitter illegal for operation in certain
countries, so it is up to the designer to ensure that the product will comply with
the appropriate regulations.
R=
V
SUPPLY
- V
DEVICE TYP.
I
CC
9
-5
60x10
-3
9
-5
60x10
-3
4
0.06
Example:
BBA-519-A @ 9V Supply
R=
=
=
= 66Ω
Page 6
Page 7
BOARD LAYOUT GUIDELINES
If you are at all familiar with RF devices, you may be concerned about
specialized board layout requirements. Fortunately, because of the care taken by
Linx in designing the modules, integrating them is very straightforward. Despite
this ease of application, it is still necessary to maintain respect for the RF stage
and exercise appropriate care in layout and application in order to maximize
performance and ensure reliable operation. The antenna can also be influenced
by layout choices. Please review this data guide in its entirety prior to beginning
your design. By adhering to good layout principles and observing some basic
design rules, you will be on the path to RF success.
The adjacent figure shows the suggested
PCB footprint for the module. The actual pad
dimensions are shown in the Pad Layout
section of this manual. A ground plane (as
large as possible) should be placed on a
lower layer of your PC board opposite the
module. This ground plane can also be critical
to the performance of your antenna, which will
be discussed later. There should not be any
ground or traces under the module on the
same layer as the module, just bare PCB.
MICROSTRIP DETAILS
A transmission line is a medium whereby RF energy is transferred from one
place to another with minimal loss. This is a critical factor, especially in high-
frequency products like Linx RF modules, because the trace leading to the
module’s antenna can effectively contribute to the length of the antenna,
changing its resonant bandwidth. In order to minimize loss and detuning, some
form of transmission line between the antenna and the module should be used,
unless the antenna can be placed very close (<1/8in.) to the module. One
common form of transmission line is a coax cable, another is the microstrip. This
term refers to a PCB trace running over a ground plane that is designed to serve
as a transmission line between the module and the antenna. The width is based
on the desired characteristic impedance of the line, the thickness of the PCB,
and the dielectric constant of the board material. For standard 0.062in thick FR-
4 board material, the trace width would be 111 mils. The correct trace width can
be calculated for other widths and materials using the information below. Handy
software for calculating microstrip lines is also available on the Linx website,
www.linxtechnologies.com.
GROUND
PLANE
ON LOWER
LAYER
Trace
Figure 7: Suggested PCB Layout
During prototyping, the module should be soldered to a properly laid-out circuit
board. The use of prototyping or “perf” boards will result in horrible performance
and is strongly discouraged.
No conductive items should be placed within 0.15in of the module’s top or sides.
Do not route PCB traces directly under the module. The underside of the module
has numerous signal-bearing traces and vias that could short or couple to traces
on the product’s circuit board.
The module’s ground lines should each have their own via to the ground plane
and be as short as possible.
The module should, as much as reasonably possible, be isolated from other
components on your PCB, especially high-frequency circuitry such as crystal
oscillators, switching power supplies, and high-speed bus lines. Make sure
internal wiring is routed away from the module and antenna, and is secured to
prevent displacement.
The power supply filter should be placed close to the module’s V
CC
line.
In some instances, a designer may wish to encapsulate or “pot” the product.
Many Linx customers have done this successfully; however, there are a wide
variety of potting compounds with varying dielectric properties. Since such
compounds can considerably impact RF performance, it is the responsibility of
the designer to carefully evaluate and qualify the impact and suitability of such
materials.
The trace from the module to the antenna should be kept as short as possible.
A simple trace is suitable for runs up to 1/8-inch for antennas with wide
bandwidth characteristics. For longer runs or to avoid detuning narrow bandwidth
antennas, such as a helical, use a 50-ohm coax or 50-ohm microstrip
transmission line as described in the following section.
Page 8
Board
Ground plane
Figure 8: Microstrip Formulas
Dielectric Constant Width/Height (W/d)
4.80
4.00
2.55
1.8
2.0
3.0
Effective Dielectric
Constant
3.59
3.07
2.12
Characteristic
Impedance
50.0
51.0
48.0
Page 9
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