RF Front End (LNA + PA)

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
SKY65943-11 Skyworks Solutions, Inc.	GPS LNA MODULE	27087
MAIA-011004-TR1000 Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)	SWITCH LNA, 2 GHZ, 50W SWITCH	1000
SKY66113-11 Skyworks Solutions, Inc.	CONNECTED HOME BLE+ZIGBEE RX FEM	2185
AD9082BBPZRL-4D2AC Analog Devices, Inc.	MXFE QUAD 12 GSPS RFDAC DUAL 6GS	0
SKY65344-21 Skyworks Solutions, Inc.	IC FRONT END 2.4-2.5GHZ 20-MCM	49243000
MAX3558CTI+ Analog Devices, Inc.	QUAD-OUTPUT LNA WITH AGC	165
LX5586LL-TR Roving Networks / Microchip Technology	MOD FE 4.8-5.85GHZ 16QFN	0
SKY85717-21 Skyworks Solutions, Inc.	IC FRONT END MODULE 16QFN	3000
RFX2402E Skyworks Solutions, Inc.	IC FRONT END 2.4GHZ WLAN 16QFN	5955
AFE8220IPZPQ1 Texas Instruments	IC AFE IF DUAL 100HTQFP	0
ADS58C23IPFP Texas Instruments	ADS58C23 DUAL CHANNEL IF BTS REC	6090
LX5589BLQ-TR Roving Networks / Microchip Technology	5G FRONT-END MODULE 5V, 3X3X0.9	0
AD9864BCPZRL Analog Devices, Inc.	IC IF SUBSYSTEM GEN-PURP 48LFCSP	2531
CC1190RGVT Texas Instruments	IC RF FRONT-END 16VQFN	916
MCP2030-I/ST Roving Networks / Microchip Technology	IC KEYLESS ENTRY AFE 14TSSOP	466
SKY85310-11 Skyworks Solutions, Inc.	2GHZ FEM IN 3X3MM PACKAGE	2999
CC2595RGTR Texas Instruments	IC RF FRONT END 2.4GHZ 16QFN	9000
ADS58C23IPFPR Texas Instruments	IC DUAL IF RCVR 80HTQFP	10000
AD9860BST Analog Devices, Inc.	MIXED SIGNAL FRONT-END PROCESSOR	3787
ADS58C20IPFPR Texas Instruments	ADS58C20 DUAL CHANNEL IF BTS REC	988

RF Front End (LNA + PA)

1. Overview

An RF Front End (LNA + PA) integrates a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) and Power Amplifier (PA) to manage signal transmission and reception in radio frequency systems. The LNA amplifies weak incoming signals with minimal noise addition, while the PA boosts outgoing signals to achieve desired transmission power. These components are critical in wireless communication systems, RFID readers, and IoT devices, enabling reliable data exchange and long-range connectivity.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Low-Frequency (LF) RFID Front End	Operates at 30 kHz 300 kHz, high sensitivity for short-range detection	Access control systems, animal tracking
High-Frequency (HF) RFID Front End	13.56 MHz operation, supports mid-range communication	Smart posters, ticketing systems
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Front End	860 960 MHz, extended read range up to 15 meters	Supply chain logistics, inventory management
Integrated LNA+PA Modules	Single-package solution for transceiver systems	5G base stations, automotive radar

3. Structure and Components

A typical RF Front End combines:

LNA Section: GaAs or SiGe transistors with input matching networks
PA Section: Gallium Nitride (GaN) or Laterally Diffused MOSFET (LDMOS) devices
Bandpass filters for frequency selectivity
Impedance matching circuits (50 standard)
Thermal management structures (heat sinks or thermal vias)

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Typical Values
Frequency Range	Operating bandwidth of the front end	LF: 125 kHz, HF: 13.56 MHz, UHF: 900 MHz
Gain (LNA)	Signal amplification level	15 30 dB
Noise Figure (LNA)	Measure of signal-to-noise degradation	0.5 3 dB
Output Power (PA)	Transmitted signal strength	20 40 dBm
Power Added Efficiency (PAE)	Energy conversion efficiency	40 70%
Input/Output Impedance	Matching network characteristic	50 standard

5. Application Fields

Main industries:

Telecommunications (5G infrastructure, satellite communication)
RFID systems (warehouse tracking, contactless payments)
Industrial IoT (sensor networks, asset monitoring)
Automotive (V2X communication, tire pressure sensors)

Typical devices: RFID readers, smart meters, drones, medical telemetry systems

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
Analog Devices	HMC1060LP5E	DC-6 GHz LNA+PA module for test equipment
Qorvo	RFFM6902	Sub-1 GHz front end for IoT devices
Nordic Semiconductor	nRF21540	2.4 GHz range extender for Bluetooth systems
STMicroelectronics	ST25R3911B	HF RFID reader with integrated LNA

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations:

Match frequency range to system requirements
Balance gain/noise figure for receiver sensitivity
Verify PA output power against regulatory limits
Evaluate package size for PCB integration
Assess temperature stability (-40 C to +85 C typical)
Compare power consumption for battery-operated devices

Industry Trend Analysis

Future directions include:

Advanced CMOS integration reducing discrete component needs
Adoption of GaN-on-SiC for higher power density
AI-driven dynamic impedance matching
Miniaturization for wearable and implantable devices
Multi-band front ends supporting 5G and Wi-Fi 6E coexistence

Market growth driven by IoT expansion and RFID adoption in smart cities, projected at 12% CAGR (2023-2030).