GigOptix Ultra-Broadband MMIC, iT2008, Chosen by CAP Wireless for Spatium High-Power Instrumentation Amplifier

GigOptix, the leading provider of electronic engines for the optically connected digital world also finds test and measurement applications for its MMICs as demonstrated by the decision of CAP Wireless to use the iT2008 broad band amplifier in their new version of the 2-20 GHz spatially combined power amplifier.

By using GigOptix’s iT2008 broadband amplifier MMIC, which complements their architecture by having a very large bandwidth, CAP has created a state of the art amplifier. This amplifier utilizes their Spatium Technology in order to increase reliability, lower voltage and noise, and increase bandwidth. By having a very large bandwidth available in one unit, additional calibrations, and continued connecting or switching multiple amplifiers is not necessary. Errors are greatly reduced, by eliminating the need to reconfigure mid-test.

The iT2008 is part of the GigOptix iT2000 series of ultra-broadband power amplifiers which are the building blocks of the long haul MZ modulator drivers such as iT6155 that GigOptix is known for. Whether a customer is looking for broadband power or optical eye quality, GigOptix has a broad lineup of devices to match the requirement.

“The CAP 2-20 GHz spatially combined power amplifier was developed for broadband, moderate power military and commercial applications. Test instrumentation is one of several key markets CAP is addressing that requires very broad bandwidth without switching or reconnecting multiple amplifiers,” said Scott Behan, vice president of marketing at CAP Wireless. “The iT2008 provides the industry-leading performance that we need in terms of efficiency and gain flatness, and, when used with our spatial combining technology, delivers a superior power amplifier product that meets the stringent requirements of our customers.”

“While GigOptix focuses mainly on the optical market, we are excited when our MMIC products succeed in other applications. These high-power and high-bandwidth amplifiers offer excellent performance which few suppliers can match,” commented Andrea Betti-Berutto, CTO of GigOptix and co-founder of iTerra Communications. “When GigOptix transitioned out of iTerra, we preserved these microwave products, as they were highly valued by many of our customers as we can see by this innovative product from CAP Wireless. Although we are now optical company, we still are happy to support customers from all markets who want to use our products.”

Applications of the iT2008 include electronic warfare, phased array radar and test and measurement. Frequency range is 10 MHz to 26.5 Ghz with P1dB of just under 1W. It has low noise with a very flat gain response over the band. The iT2008 is in full production.

About GigOptix, LLC

GigOptix is a leading fab-less semiconductor manufacturer of electronic engines for the optically connected digital world. It offers the industries’ widest selection of high speed optical Physical Media Dependent (PMD) ICs with a portfolio including modulator drivers, laser drivers and TIAs for telecom, datacom, Infiniband and consumer optical systems, from 3.125G-100G, covering all laser technologies, serial and parallel. GigOptix is a privately held company registered in California, USA with headquarters in Palo Alto, CA and subsidiary GigOptix-Helix AG in Zurich, Switzerland. For more information, please visit www.GigOptix.com.

Contacts

GigOptix, LLC
Parker Martineau, 650-796-6197 (Media)
pr {at} gigoptix(.)com