RFDA2026DS - 6-Bit Digital VGA 1400-2700MHz | RFMD
Référence : RFDA2026DS ✗ Fin de vie| Qté | Prix unitaire | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 | $0,00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0,00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0,00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0,00 |
| 1 000 | $0 | $0,00 |
RFDA2026DS Présentation
A digitally controlled variable gain amplifier is an RF gain block whose gain is set by an integrated digital step attenuator (DSA) rather than an analog control voltage. Within the RF signal-chain hierarchy (RF ICs > variable gain amplifiers > digital step attenuator VGA), VGAs are used to keep receiver or transmitter signal levels within the optimal dynamic range of downstream components such as mixers, ADCs, and power amplifiers, compensating for fading, distance changes, and temperature drift.
Key differentiating features include high linearity maintained over the entire gain control range, a 6-bit (64-state) attenuation resolution with 0.5 dB LSB steps for fine power or gain trimming, and low DC current consumption relative to comparable VGAs. The parallel digital step attenuator integrated with an amplification stage in a single MCM reduces bill-of-materials count versus a discrete DSA-plus-LNA solution and removes the need for analog control DACs.
Technically, the RFDA2026 integrates a 6-bit digital step attenuator core together with a gain amplifier inside a laminate multi-chip module. Because the attenuation is placed ahead of, or within, the gain stages, both insertion loss at low gain states and linearity at high gain states are managed by the internal architecture, delivering consistent IP3 performance across gain settings. The SPI interface allows host controllers to update gain quickly and deterministically, supporting AGC loops in software-defined radios and adaptive beamforming chains.
Typical applications include cellular infrastructure receiver front ends in the 1.4-2.7 GHz bands (covering 1.8 GHz DCS/PCS, 1.9-2.1 GHz WCDMA/LTE, and 2.3-2.7 GHz TDD bands), point-to-point microwave radios, and general-purpose IF/RF gain control in test equipment. The wide 1.3 GHz bandwidth allows a single part to serve multiple band plans, simplifying platform designs.
For design, pay close attention to the supply decoupling and RF port matching: the MCM is matched for 50-ohm operation, but layout parasitics around the 6 x 6 mm land pattern can degrade return loss at band edges. SPI control lines should be kept short and filtered to prevent digital noise coupling into the RF path.
This page synthesizes distributor-verified datasheet data, drop-in alternative discussion, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, with pricing verified as of 2026-10-10.
Alternatives de remplacement direct pour RFDA2026DS — même boîtier, compatible broche à broche. Les références à boîtier différent nécessitant une retouche du PCB sont exclues.
Outil de comparaison rapide — sélectionnez des références alternatives pour une comparaison côte à côte :
RFDA2025
✅ Remplacement direct ⚠️ Spécifications non vérifiées📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
RFDA2024
✅ Remplacement direct ⚠️ Spécifications non vérifiées📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
RFDA2027
✅ Remplacement direct ⚠️ Spécifications non vérifiées📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
RFDA2026DS Valeurs maximales et caractéristiques électriques
| Product Type | Digital Controlled Variable Gain Amplifier (VGA) |
| Frequency Range | 1400 MHz to 2700 MHz |
| Gain Control | 6-bit digital step attenuator |
| Attenuator Step Size (LSB) | 0.5 dB |
| Attenuation States | 64 (6-bit) |
| Control Interface | Serial (SPI) mode control interface |
| Noise Figure | less than 4.1 dB (maximum gain state) |
| Linearity | High linearity over entire gain control range |
| Package Type | Leadless laminate MCM, 32-pin |
| Package Dimensions | 6.0 mm x 6.0 mm |
| Type de montage | Surface Mount |
| Amplifier Category (per distributor) | Power Amplifier / RF Microwave |
| Typical Applications | RF Microwave, cellular infrastructure |
| Manufacturer | RF Micro Devices (RFMD, now Qorvo) |
Guide de configuration des broches du RFDA2026DS 6.0 mm x 6.0 mm
Configuration des broches du RFDA2026DS (boîtier 6.0 mm x 6.0 mm). Ce composant analogique comporte des broches d'entrée, de sortie et d'alimentation. Consultez la fiche technique du fabricant pour les configurations des broches d'annulation d'offset, de compensation et d'activation. Idéal pour le conditionnement de signaux et les circuits amplificateurs.
Aucune donnée de brochage détaillée disponible pour RFDA2026DS.
Consultez la fiche technique pour la configuration complète des broches.
Applications typiques
RFDA2026DS convient pour 6 applications: Cellular Infrastructure Receiver Front End, Point-to-Point Microwave Radios, Software-Defined Radio (SDR) Gain Stages, RF Test and Measurement Equipment, Repeater and Distributed Antenna Systems, Sustaining Legacy 3G/4G Infrastructure Designs.
Cellular Infrastructure Receiver Front End
In cellular base station receiver front ends, the RFDA2026 serves as the main AGC gain-control element between the LNA output and the mixer or ADC driver. Its 1400-2700 MHz range covers DCS/PCS (1800 MHz), WCDMA/LTE (1.9-2.1 GHz), and TDD bands (2.3-2.7 GHz), so one device type can serve multiple band variants of a common receiver platform. The 6-bit, 0.5 dB-step SPI control lets the baseband DSP close the AGC loop with fine resolution, holding the downstream ADC within its optimal dynamic range as signal levels vary with fading and user distance. Because RFMD specifies high linearity across the entire gain control range, strong interferers are handled without degradation even at attenuated gain states. The sub-4.1 dB noise figure at maximum gain is acceptable when preceded by a dedicated low-noise amplifier that dominates the system cascade noise figure.
Recommandé
Point-to-Point Microwave Radios
Point-to-point microwave backhaul radios operating in licensed bands between 1.4 GHz and 2.7 GHz use the RFDA2026 as a transmit-path power trim and receive-path AGC element. The 0.5 dB step accuracy supports regulatory output-power calibration to tight tolerances, and the SPI interface allows the radio's management processor to adjust gain during commissioning and temperature drift compensation without analog DAC circuitry. The integrated DSA-plus-amplifier MCM replaces a discrete attenuator and gain block, saving board area in compact outdoor-unit (ODU) housings. High linearity over the whole gain range preserves modulation accuracy (EVM) for high-order QAM links, where gain-state-dependent distortion would otherwise limit link throughput. Designers should budget the noise figure contribution in the receive cascade and verify return loss at band edges with the final PCB land pattern.
Recommandé
Software-Defined Radio (SDR) Gain Stages
Wideband SDR platforms covering sub-6 GHz spectrum use the RFDA2026 as a digitally programmable gain stage ahead of the digitizer chain. The 64 gain states in 0.5 dB steps let SDR firmware implement adaptive gain scheduling per channel, maximizing instantaneous dynamic range of the ADC across varying input conditions. Because gain is set digitally over SPI, profile-based gain tables for different waveforms and band plans can be loaded at runtime - valuable in multi-band defense and public-safety radios. RFMD's specification of consistent high linearity across the entire control range means linearity budgeting does not change with gain state, simplifying wideband system modeling. In SDR designs the part is typically placed between the band-select filter and the IQ demodulator, with attention to SPI trace filtering to keep digital switching noise out of the RF path.
Recommandé
RF Test and Measurement Equipment
Signal generators, spectrum analyzer front ends, and automated test equipment require precisely repeatable gain stages, and the RFDA2026 fits this role in the 1.4-2.7 GHz range. The 6-bit, 0.5 dB quantized control gives deterministic, calibratable gain states - engineers can characterize each of the 64 states once and store correction factors in EEPROM, guaranteeing long-term amplitude accuracy. Digital SPI control eliminates analog control-voltage drift, a common error source in VGAs with analog gain pins. The integrated MCM architecture also reduces unit-to-unit variation versus discrete attenuator/LNA builds, improving manufacturing consistency of calibration data. Test equipment designers benefit additionally from RFMD's specification of high linearity over the entire gain range, which keeps harmonic and intermodulation performance predictable as instruments sweep attenuation during measurements.
Recommandé
Repeater and Distributed Antenna Systems
RF repeaters and distributed antenna system (DAS) head-ends for 1.8-2.7 GHz cellular bands need automatic gain control to maintain fixed net gain despite varying input levels from donor and service antennas. The RFDA2026 provides this AGC function with its 6-bit SPI-programmed attenuator: a survey microcontroller monitors output power and steps gain in 0.5 dB increments to hold the programmed net gain within a fraction of a dB. The sub-4.1 dB noise figure at maximum gain preserves uplink sensitivity, critical for maintaining cell edge performance through the repeater. High linearity across the gain range is equally important because repeaters must amplify multiple carriers simultaneously without generating intermodulation products that fall back into operator uplink bands. The compact 6 x 6 mm MCM suits the size-constrained housings typical of indoor DAS units.
Recommandé
Sustaining Legacy 3G/4G Infrastructure Designs
Many deployed 3G and 4G radio units were designed around the RFDA2026 and remain in service beyond the part's active production life. Sustaining engineers sourcing replacement stock must manage EOL risks: verifying date codes, requiring full electrical requalification for non-franchised stock, and maintaining an approved substitute plan. Within the RFMD 6-bit VGA family, the RFDA2024, RFDA2025, and RFDA2027 share the same architecture and MCM packaging style, and can serve as secondary-source candidates after datasheet-level verification of frequency band, pinout, and gain table equivalence. The SPI control protocol is simple enough that firmware abstractions can accommodate small differences between family members, reducing redesign effort. This application profile is about lifecycle management: qualifying alternates, screening grey-market stock, and documenting deviations for regulated network deployments.
Recommandé
Récapitulatif des produits recommandés
Données de référence d'ingénierie pour RFDA2026DS — comparaison, recommandations de conception et informations de conformité.
Guide de sélection
Comparaison avec les alternatives
| Paramètre | Ce produit | RFDA2025 | RFDA2024 | RFDA2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 6.0 mm x 6.0 mm leadless laminate MCM, 32-pin | 6.0 mm x 6.0 mm leadless laminate MCM, 32-pin - same family | 6.0 mm x 6.0 mm leadless laminate MCM, 32-pin - same family | 6.0 mm x 6.0 mm leadless laminate MCM, 32-pin - same family |
| Brand | RF Micro Devices (RFMD, now Qorvo) | RF Micro Devices (RFMD, now Qorvo) | RF Micro Devices (RFMD, now Qorvo) | RF Micro Devices (RFMD, now Qorvo) |
| Gain Control Resolution | 6-bit, 0.5 dB LSB (64 states) | 6-bit, 0.5 dB LSB (family architecture) | 6-bit, 0.5 dB LSB (family architecture) | 6-bit, 0.5 dB LSB (family architecture) |
| Control Interface | Serial (SPI) | SPI (family architecture) | SPI (family architecture) | SPI (family architecture) |
| Linearity | High linearity over entire gain range | High linearity (family specification) | High linearity (family specification) | High linearity (family specification) |
Principaux différenciateurs
- Fully integrated DSA-plus-amplifier MCM (vs Discrete DSA + LNA two-chip solution)
- Fine 0.5 dB gain resolution with SPI control (vs Analog-control VGAs)
- Wide 1400-2700 MHz single-part coverage (vs RFDA2025 / RFDA2024 family members)
Notes de conception
The RFDA2026 uses a proprietary 6.0 mm x 6.0 mm leadless laminate MCM land pattern that is not interchangeable with generic 32-pad QFN footprints. Reproduce the land pattern exactly from the RFMD datasheet, including via placement under the module perimeter pads, to preserve RF return loss at 2.7 GHz band edges. Keep 50-ohm CPW or microstrip transitions as short as possible, and verify with a TDR or VNA sweep on the first article before releasing the layout.
The SPI control lines run directly into the RF module. Route SCLK, MOSI/SDATA, and latch/enable lines away from RF ports, and add small series resistors (10-22 ohm) at the driver to slow edges and reduce harmonic content that could couple into the gain block. A local ground via fence around the SPI routing helps contain digital switching noise; this matters especially in AGC applications where gain codes update continuously during reception.
Because the RFDA2026 is an EOL RFMD part, do not assume purchased stock meets original specifications - independently test date-coded lot samples for gain accuracy (0.5 dB LSB), noise figure (below 4.1 dB at max gain), and linearity before approving a supplier. Also verify the SPI control map against the specific datasheet revision, since RFMD family members use similar but not always identical serial command formats; a mismatched control map can silently set wrong gain states.
Informations de conformité
Compliance data was not present in the provided web data for this legacy RFMD part; verify with Qorvo product lifecycle documentation or supplier certificates.
