NXP Semiconductors AFIC901N-760MHZ

Overview

AFIC901N-760MHZ from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a two-stage LDMOS RF power amplifier IC designed for broadband operation from 1.8 MHz to 1000 MHz. It delivers 30.6 dBm output power, 27.6 dB power gain, and 57.0% drain efficiency at 760–870 MHz under 7.5 Vdc bias, serving as a driver stage in mobile radio and industrial communications systems.

For engineers reviewing the AFIC901N-760MHZ datasheet, AFIC901N-760MHZ pinout, AFIC901N-760MHZ application, or AFIC901N-760MHZ equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed wideband performance at 760–870 MHz, ruggedness data under 25:1 VSWR load mismatch, and real-world reference circuit implementation details.

Technical Context

The AFIC901N-760MHZ integrates two unmatched LDMOS transistor stages in a single 24-pin QFN package, enabling flexible external interstage and output matching across VHF, UHF, and high-UHF bands. Its gate threshold voltages are 2.2 V (Stage 1) and 2.1 V (Stage 2), with forward transconductance of 0.096 S and 1.1 S respectively - confirming distinct DC biasing requirements per stage.

It operates with fixed 7.5 Vdc supply and specified quiescent currents of IDQ1 = 10 mA and IDQ2 = 30 mA in the 760–870 MHz reference circuit. The device features integrated ESD protection (HBM Class 1A, CDM Class II) and thermal resistance of 9.4 °C/W (Stage 2), supporting robust operation up to +150 °C case temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AFIC901N-760MHZ uses a 24-pin, 4 mm × 4 mm plastic QFN package with exposed source paddle (thermal pad). Pin numbering follows standard counter-clockwise layout starting from top-left corner (pin 1), with pins 1–12 on top row and 13–24 on bottom row. The exposed backside is electrically connected to all drain terminals (pins 13, 14, 19–22) and serves as primary thermal path.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RF power amplifier applications.

Compared with MRF6VP2750HR5 and RF5110G, the AFIC901N-760MHZ uniquely offers accessible interstage nodes, dual-gate bias control, and validated 760–870 MHz performance in a compact 4×4 mm footprint - making it the only option optimized for flexible, space-constrained driver-stage design.

Availability

AFIC901N-760MHZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile radio infrastructure, handheld transceivers, industrial wireless links, and medical telemetry systems requiring stable component supply and long-term RF performance consistency.

Supply support for AFIC901N-760MHZ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader specializing in secure connectivity solutions, with deep expertise in RF power technology inherited from Freescale's Airfast product line.

The AFIC901N-760MHZ belongs to the Airfast RF LDMOS wideband integrated amplifier family, engineered specifically for flexible, high-efficiency driver-stage implementation across VHF/UHF public safety, industrial, and medical wireless bands.

FAQ

What is the recommended gate bias voltage for AFIC901N-760MHZ in 760–870 MHz operation?

The AFIC901N-760MHZ requires separate DC bias for each stage: Stage 1 (Gate A) is typically biased at 3.0 Vdc to achieve IDQ1 = 10 mA, while Stage 2 (Gate B) is tuned to 2.5–2.8 Vdc to set IDQ2 = 30 mA. These values are derived from Figure 5 and Table 7 in the datasheet and ensure optimal 27.6 dB gain and 57.0% efficiency at 760–870 MHz. The AFIC901N-760MHZ datasheet specifies VGS(th) of 2.1 V (Stage 2), confirming this bias range.

Does AFIC901N-760MHZ require external matching networks at 760–870 MHz?

Yes, the AFIC901N-760MHZ is intentionally unmatched at input (RFin), interstage, and output (RFout) to maximize design flexibility. For 760–870 MHz operation, external LC matching networks are mandatory - as demonstrated in the Freescale reference circuit (Figure 2 and Table 4). The AFIC901N-760MHZ does not integrate matching components; its value lies in enabling custom impedance transformation for specific system requirements.

What thermal management is required for continuous-wave operation of AFIC901N-760MHZ?

For 30.6 dBm (1.15 W) CW output at 760–870 MHz, the AFIC901N-760MHZ requires a minimum 2.6 × 2.6 mm solder pad with ≥4 thermal vias to inner ground planes, per Figure 17. With RθJC = 9.4 °C/W (Stage 2) and max TC = +150 °C, a 40 °C ambient requires ≤11.7 °C/W total system thermal resistance - achievable with 2 oz copper and moderate airflow. The AFIC901N-760MHZ thermal pad must be soldered directly to PCB ground for effective heat transfer.

Can AFIC901N-760MHZ be used outside the 760–870 MHz band?

Yes - the AFIC901N-760MHZ is fully characterized from 1.8 MHz to 1000 MHz. While "-760MHZ" denotes its optimized 760–870 MHz variant, the same die supports 136–174 MHz (VHF) and 350–520 MHz (UHF) with different matching networks. Table 7 and Table 10 confirm validated performance at those bands. The AFIC901N-760MHZ part number reflects frequency-specific test validation, not functional limitation.

Is AFIC901N-760MHZ pin-compatible with other Airfast integrated amplifiers?

No - the AFIC901N-760MHZ uses a unique 24-pin QFN layout optimized for dual-stage routing and thermal dissipation. Pin functions (e.g., dual Gate A/B, four Drain B terminals) differ from single-stage Airfast parts like AFIC902N or AFIC903N. Board redesign is required when substituting; the AFIC901N-760MHZ pinout is not interchangeable with any other Airfast integrated amplifier.