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Microchip Technology SST11LF04-Q3CE
- Part No.:
- SST11LF04-Q3CE
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Front End (LNA + PA)
- Package:
- 16-XFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
SST11LF04-Q3CE.pdf
- Description:
- WLAN 11A/N/AC FEM (PA+LNA+SP2T)
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
SST11LF04-Q3CE from Microchip Technology is a 4.9–5.9 GHz front-end module (FEM) integrating a GaAs pHEMT/HBT power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, and Tx/Rx antenna switch for IEEE 802.11a/n/ac WLAN systems. It delivers 30 dB gain, 21 dBm linear output power (802.11a), and 1.75% dynamic EVM at 16 dBm (802.11ac MCS9, 80 MHz), operating from 3.0–5.0 V with 270 mA supply current at 18 dBm output.
For engineers reviewing the SST11LF04-Q3CE datasheet, SST11LF04-Q3CE pinout, SST11LF04-Q3CE application, or SST11LF04-Q3CE equivalent, this page provides verified RF performance data, validated 16-pin X2QFN package mapping, confirmed Tx/Rx chain specifications, and real-world WLAN system integration guidance - all directly extracted from Microchip's DS70005081B datasheet.
Technical Context
The SST11LF04-Q3CE implements a fully integrated 5 GHz FEM architecture with separate high-efficiency InGaP/GaAs HBT PA and LNA stages, plus an on-chip SPDT antenna switch. Its DC-decoupled, 50 Ω-matched RF ports eliminate external blocking capacitors and matching networks.
Control logic uses three dedicated pins (PEN, CRX, LEN) to configure transmit mode (PEN=3.0 V, CRX=0 V, LEN=0 V), receive mode with LNA enabled (PEN=0 V, CRX=3.0 V, LEN=3.0 V), or LNA bypass (PEN=0 V, CRX=3.0 V, LEN=0 V). An on-chip single-ended power detector provides temperature- and load-insensitive voltage output (0.3–0.95 V over 0–20 dBm).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 4.9–5.9 GHz - Covers full UNII-1/2/2e/3 bands for global 5 GHz WLAN operation. |
| PA Gain | 30 dB typical - Enables single-stage amplification without external driver stages in compact 5 GHz transceivers. |
| Linear Output Power | 21 dBm @ 3.3 V (802.11a ACPR-compliant) - Meets regulatory spectral mask requirements up to maximum legal output. |
| LNA Noise Figure | 2.95 dB typical - Ensures high receiver sensitivity in interference-prone 5 GHz ISM environments. |
| Power Detector Range | 0–20 dBm with ±0.1 V linearity - Supports closed-loop TX power control without external couplers or detectors. |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0–5.5 V - Compatible with standard 3.3 V and 5 V system rails; supports flexible biasing in dual-rail designs. |
| Shut-down Current | ~2 µA - Enables ultra-low-power standby states in battery-operated or energy-conscious IoT access points. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 16-contact X2QFN (2.5 mm × 2.5 mm × 0.4 mm max), RoHS-compliant, with exposed thermal paddle electrically connected to GND.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pins 1, 3, 7, 12, 14) | Ground reference and thermal pad connection | Five dedicated ground contacts + exposed paddle ensure low-impedance RF return path and efficient heat dissipation. |
| VCC (Pins 4, 10, 11) | PA/LNA/Switch power supply input | Three independent VCC pins reduce IR drop and decoupling complexity across high-current Tx and Rx paths. |
| PEN (Pin 6) | Power amplifier enable control | Active-high TTL-compatible input; draws only 6 mA, enabling fast digital control of PA state without level-shifting. |
| LEN (Pin 16) | LNA enable control | Active-high signal that activates LNA stage; set low to bypass LNA and reduce Rx path loss during high-signal conditions. |
| CRX (Pin 15) | Antenna switch control | High-voltage select line determining antenna path direction (Tx → ANT or ANT → RX); requires 3.0 V for switching. |
| TX (Pin 8) | RF input to power amplifier | DC-coupled 50 Ω matched port accepts baseband-filtered IF or direct 5 GHz modulated signal without external DC blocking. |
| RX (Pin 2) | RF output from LNA | Single-ended 50 Ω output drives standard 5 GHz receiver ICs or downconverters; no external matching required. |
| ANT (Pin 13) | Shared antenna interface | Bidirectional 50 Ω port supporting both Tx output and Rx input; internal switch isolates PA and LNA during concurrent operation. |
| VDET (Pin 5) | On-chip power detector output | Analog voltage proportional to Tx output power (0.3–0.95 V over 0–20 dBm); enables precise, board-level closed-loop power control. |
| NC (Pin 9) | No connection | Unbonded pad; must remain unconnected and unpopulated on PCB to avoid parasitic coupling or mechanical stress. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internally matched 50 Ω I/O ports | Eliminates need for external DC-blocking capacitors and impedance-matching networks, reducing BOM count by ≥4 passive components per RF path. |
| High-speed PA enable/disable | Turn-on/off time <400 ns (10%–90%) - Supports burst-mode transmission in TDMA-based 802.11ac MU-MIMO and TWT applications. |
| Temperature-stable power detection | ±1 dB gain/power variation over −40°C to +85°C - Enables reliable closed-loop power control across industrial temperature ranges without calibration. |
| LNA bypass mode | 8 dB insertion loss with P1dB >20 dBm - Allows high-input-signal handling in dense RF environments while preserving receiver linearity. |
| Integrated Tx/Rx switch | Single-chip solution replaces discrete PA + LNA + SPDT switch - Reduces layout area by >40% vs. discrete implementation and improves isolation (>25 dB typical). |
Applications
| Wi-Fi Access Point | 5 GHz Wireless Router |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Dual-band 802.11ac router transmitting 20/40/80 MHz OFDM signals at up to 21 dBm while maintaining ACPR compliance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end module providing final-stage amplification, receive amplification, and antenna switching in the 5 GHz RF chain. Use Value: Delivers 30 dB PA gain and 2.95 dB NF to extend range and throughput; on-chip VDET enables adaptive power control per client device. |
Use Scenario: Compact residential gateway requiring low-power idle operation and rapid channel switching across UNII sub-bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Integrated FEM managing full 5 GHz Tx/Rx path including LNA bypass during high-SINR conditions. Use Value: 2 µA shutdown current and <400 ns enable timing support energy-efficient DFS and multi-channel scanning without external sequencing logic. |
| Automotive V2X (WAVE) | 5 GHz ISM Equipment |
Use Scenario: IEEE 802.11p roadside unit operating in −40°C to +85°C ambient with strict EVM and spectral mask requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability front-end for vehicular safety messaging, handling pulsed 10 MHz channels with robust adjacent-channel rejection. Use Value: ±1 dB gain stability over temperature ensures consistent link budget; 8 dB LNA bypass loss supports strong interferer rejection in urban RF environments. |
Use Scenario: Industrial wireless sensor hub transmitting telemetry in unlicensed 5.725–5.875 GHz ISM band with minimal external components. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Self-contained RF front end delivering complete 5 GHz Tx/Rx functionality in space-constrained embedded modules. Use Value: DC-coupled, 50 Ω-matched ports eliminate four external RF capacitors, reducing bill-of-materials cost and assembly steps. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 5 GHz WLAN front-end module applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SST11LP17-QVCE | Higher 32 dB PA gain but narrower 5.15–5.35 GHz band; no integrated LNA bypass mode. | Better suited for fixed-frequency access points targeting UNII-1 only; lacks flexibility for full-band 802.11ac MCS9 operation. | Select when maximizing gain in narrowband deployments outweighs need for wideband linearity and LNA configurability. |
| SKY85720-31 | 28 dB PA gain, 2.7 dB NF, supports 5.15–5.85 GHz; includes integrated harmonic filtering but no on-chip power detector. | Requires external coupler + ADC for closed-loop power control; better harmonic suppression reduces post-PA filtering needs. | Prefer when spectral purity is critical and system-level power monitoring infrastructure already exists. |
Compared with SST11LF04-Q3CE, SST11LP17-QVCE offers higher gain in a narrower band but sacrifices full 5 GHz coverage and LNA bypass capability, while SKY85720-31 trades off integrated power detection for superior harmonic attenuation - making SST11LF04-Q3CE optimal for cost-sensitive, full-band 802.11ac designs requiring autonomous power control.
Availability
SST11LF04-Q3CE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Wi-Fi access points, 5 GHz wireless routers, automotive V2X units, and 5 GHz ISM equipment requiring stable component supply, consistent RF performance across production lots, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SST11LF04-Q3CE 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
Microchip Technology is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and RF solutions, with ISO/TS-16949-certified manufacturing and global design centers.
The SST11LF04-Q3CE belongs to Microchip's SST family of integrated front-end modules, designed specifically for high-efficiency, low-BOM-count 5 GHz WLAN and WAVE applications requiring seamless integration with standard 802.11a/n/ac baseband ICs.
FAQ
What is the absolute maximum RF input power rating for SST11LF04-Q3CE?
The absolute maximum RF input power to the TX pin (Pin 8) is +5 dBm at 5.0 V bias into a maximum antenna port VSWR of 6:1. At 5.5 V bias, the maximum allowable VSWR drops to 2:1 with the same +5 dBm limit. Exceeding these ratings may cause permanent damage. SST11LF04-Q3CE must never be driven with CW signals above this threshold; pulsed single-tone sources with <50% duty cycle are recommended for testing.
Does SST11LF04-Q3CE require external DC-blocking capacitors on its RF ports?
No, SST11LF04-Q3CE does not require external DC-blocking capacitors. Its input/output RF ports are internally DC-decoupled and matched to 50 Ω, eliminating the need for external blocking capacitors or impedance-matching components. This reduces BOM cost and simplifies PCB layout. SST11LF04-Q3CE achieves this through integrated on-die capacitors and matching networks within the GaAs pHEMT/HBT process.
How does the on-chip power detector in SST11LF04-Q3CE behave across temperature and load variations?
The SST11LF04-Q3CE on-chip power detector delivers stable, load- and temperature-insensitive output voltage across −40°C to +85°C, with ≤1 dB variation in detected power level. Its >20 dB dynamic range (0.3–0.95 V over 0–20 dBm) and dB-linear response enable accurate closed-loop TX power control without recalibration. SST11LF04-Q3CE's detector is insensitive to output VSWR changes, ensuring reliability even under mismatched antenna conditions.
What are the valid logic voltage levels for PEN, CRX, and LEN control pins on SST11LF04-Q3CE?
SST11LF04-Q3CE control pins accept TTL-compatible logic: PEN and LEN require ≥2.95 V for active-high assertion, while CRX requires ≥3.0 V. All three pins must be driven to 0 V for inactive states. The datasheet specifies no other operating modes - intermediate voltages or floating inputs are undefined and may cause unpredictable switching behavior. SST11LF04-Q3CE's control interface is designed for direct connection to 3.3 V GPIOs without level shifters.
Can SST11LF04-Q3CE operate in 802.11ac 160 MHz channel mode?
No, SST11LF04-Q3CE is characterized and specified for 802.11ac 80 MHz channels only. Its RF performance - including EVM, gain flatness, and spectral mask compliance - is validated up to 80 MHz bandwidth (e.g., MCS9 at 16 dBm with 1.75% dynamic EVM). Operation in 160 MHz mode is not supported per Microchip's DS70005081B datasheet, and no characterization data is provided for wider bandwidths. SST11LF04-Q3CE remains fully compliant for all standard 802.11ac 20/40/80 MHz deployments.
SST11LF04-Q3CE Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- 802.11a/n/ac
- Frequency:
- 4.9GHz ~ 5.9GHz
- Features:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-X2QFN (2.5x2.5)
SST11LF04-Q3CE FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SST11LF04-Q3CE through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SST11LF04-Q3CE on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for SST11LF04-Q3CE reliable?
The price and inventory of SST11LF04-Q3CE are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SST11LF04-Q3CE is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SST11LF04-Q3CE?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SST11LF04-Q3CE transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SST11LF04-Q3CE?
SST11LF04-Q3CE orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SST11LF04-Q3CE order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for SST11LF04-Q3CE?
For technical support, including SST11LF04-Q3CE datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SST11LF04-Q3CE requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SST11LF04-Q3CE is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SST11LF04-Q3CE products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that SST11LF04-Q3CE meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SST11LF04-Q3CE?
All SST11LF04-Q3CE units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SST11LF04-Q3CE, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The SST11LF04-Q3CE part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SST11LF04-Q3CE:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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