NXP Semiconductors OM7861/CURRENTAMUL

Overview

OM7861/CURRENTAMUL from NXP Semiconductors is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate a wideband variable gain amplifier (VGA) architecture using the BGA3018 and BGA3015 MMIC amplifiers with the BAP70Q quad pin diode attenuator for CATV line-up applications. It delivers 75 Ω input/output impedance, 20 dB gain control dynamic range, flat gain from 40 MHz to 1003 MHz, unconditional stability, and excellent return loss.

For engineers reviewing the OM7861/CURRENTAMUL datasheet, OM7861/CURRENTAMUL pinout, OM7861/CURRENTAMUL application, or OM7861/CURRENTAMUL equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of RF gain control performance, distortion behavior (CTB/CSO/XMOD), noise figure, and S-parameter matching in broadband cable infrastructure designs operating at 5 V or 8 V supply.

Technical Context

The OM7861/CURRENTAMUL implements a two-stage VGA topology: BGA3018 (U1) provides first-stage amplification with S11-matching via L1 and feedback network R1/R2/C2; BAP70Q (U2) acts as voltage-controlled attenuator (Vctr = 1–3 V) between stages; BGA3015 (U3) delivers final gain with S11-matching via L7 and feedback R10/R11/C11. All MMICs operate at +8 V or +5 V DC supply.

PCB layout uses two-layer FR4 (1.5 mm thick, ε_r = 4.6, 35 μm copper) with dedicated ground vias under MMIC ground pins to minimize inductance. RF signal path includes DC-blocking capacitors (C1, C6, C10, C15), matching inductors (L1, L4, L7, L10), and choke-based bias networks (L2/L6/L9) to isolate RF from DC supplies.

Key Specifications

Availability

OM7861/CURRENTAMUL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for CATV line-up amplifier development, broadband RF gain calibration, and cable infrastructure distortion testing requiring stable component supply and repeatable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for OM7861/CURRENTAMUL 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 company specializing in high-performance RF, analog, and mixed-signal solutions for automotive, industrial, and communications markets.

The OM7861/CURRENTAMUL belongs to NXP's CATV evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate design-in of wideband VGA architectures using their BGA301x MMICs and BAP70Q pin diodes in cable distribution networks.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the OM7861/CURRENTAMUL evaluation board?

The OM7861/CURRENTAMUL evaluation board implements a complete wideband variable gain amplifier (VGA) solution for CATV line-up applications using NXP's BGA3018, BGA3015, and BAP70Q components. It enables engineers to validate gain flatness, distortion performance (CTB/CSO/XMOD), noise figure, and impedance matching across 40 MHz–1003 MHz without custom PCB development. The OM7861/CURRENTAMUL supports both +5 V and +8 V operation and includes calibrated RF connectors and bias networks.

Does the OM7861/CURRENTAMUL include schematic and layout documentation?

Yes - the OM7861/CURRENTAMUL is documented in NXP Application Note AN11228 (Rev. 2, February 2014), which provides full schematic (Figure 1), PCB layout (Figure 2), bill of materials (Table 1), and measurement data including S-parameters, distortion, and noise figure. The OM7861/CURRENTAMUL layout uses two-layer FR4 with specific grounding and matching strategies optimized for MMIC performance.

What RF connectors are used on the OM7861/CURRENTAMUL board?

The OM7861/CURRENTAMUL uses two 75 Ω F-type coaxial connectors: J1 for RF input and J2 for RF output. These connectors maintain 75 Ω system impedance and are compatible with standard CATV test equipment and optical receiver outputs. The OM7861/CURRENTAMUL also includes a 6-pin header (J3) for control voltage (Vctr) and power supply access.

Can the OM7861/CURRENTAMUL operate at both 5 V and 8 V supply voltages?

Yes - the OM7861/CURRENTAMUL supports dual supply configurations: +8 V for optimal dynamic range and +5 V for lower-power deployment. Measurement results in AN11228 document S-parameters, distortion, and noise figure at both voltages. The OM7861/CURRENTAMUL provides separate Vamp1, Vamp2, and Vcc rails to independently bias each amplifier and the BAP70Q attenuator.

Is the OM7861/CURRENTAMUL RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes - the OM7861/CURRENTAMUL evaluation board complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and uses lead-free surface-mount components throughout, including Murata GRM-series capacitors, LQG/LQH inductors, Yageo RC-series resistors, and NXP BGA3018/BGA3015/BAP70Q packages. All PCB fabrication and assembly processes meet NXP's environmental compliance standards, as confirmed in AN11228 documentation.