GPS Modules Meld Filter and Amplifier

Model ALM-1912 from Avago Technologies is a Global Positioning System (GPS) front-end module that combines a film-bulk-acoustic-resonator (FBAR) filter with a high-gain low-noise amplifier (LNA). The module, which is designed to simplify GPS handset applications, features an LNA with 1.62-dB noise figure and 19.3-dB gain. The amplifier and filter combine for an input third-order intercept point of +1.5 dBm and more than 50-dB out-of-band rejection. The ALM-1912 includes a shunt inductor at the RF input pin to enhance electrostatic-discharge (ESD) capability; as a result, the module can survive more than 3 kV discharge voltage per the human body model (HBM). The RoHS-compliant module is supplied in a miniature MCOB package measuring 2.9 x 2.0 x 1.0 mm. It draws typically 6 mA current from a +2.7-VDC supply.