Microchip Technology SST12LF01-QDE
- Part No.:
- SST12LF01-QDE
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- RF Front End (LNA + PA)
- Package:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
SST12LF01-QDE.pdf
- Description:
- IC FRONT END MOD 2.4GHZ 24WQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,667
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Product details
Overview
SST12LF01-QDE from Microchip Technology is a 2.4 GHz Front-End Module (FEM) integrating a GaAs PHEMT-based Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) and an InGaP/GaAs HBT Power Amplifier (PA) in a single 24-contact WQFN package. It delivers 12 dB RX gain, 1.45 dB noise figure, >1 dBm RX IIP3, 29 dB TX gain, and 22% PAE at 22 dBm output for IEEE 802.11g applications in WLAN transceivers.
For engineers reviewing the SST12LF01-QDE datasheet, SST12LF01-QDE pinout, SST12LF01-QDE application, or SST12LF01-QDE equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-chain RF performance across 2.4–2.55 GHz, ultra-low 2.5 µA shutdown current, <100 ns power-up/down timing, and 50 Ω matched RX/TX ports requiring no external DC blocking or matching components.
Technical Context
The SST12LF01-QDE implements two independent RF signal paths: an LNA chain optimized for low-noise, moderate-gain receive amplification with self-biasing and 50 Ω input/output matching; and a high-efficiency PA chain supporting 802.11b/g OFDM modulation with linear output up to 23 dBm while meeting spectral mask requirements.
Its architecture uses separate bias supplies (VDD_RX for LNA; VCC_TX1/VCC_TX2/VCCb for PA stages) and a dedicated VREF-controlled enable/current-setting interface. Gain stability over temperature (±1 dB from 0°C to +85°C) and fast switching (<200 ns total delay including driver) support time-division duplex (TDD) operation in Wi-Fi systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RX Frequency Range | 2400–2550 MHz - Covers full 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz ISM band without tuning. |
| RX Small-Signal Gain | 12 dB typical - Enables sufficient sensitivity boost before baseband ADC with minimal added noise. |
| RX Noise Figure | 1.45 dB typical - Directly supports high SNR in low-SINAD environments like mobile clients. |
| TX Output Power (P1dB) | >26.5 dBm - Ensures headroom for 23 dBm linear operation under 802.11g OFDM ACPR compliance. |
| TX Power-Added Efficiency | 22% @ 22 dBm (802.11g) - Reduces thermal load and extends battery life in portable devices. |
| Shutdown Current | 2.5 µA typical - Allows deep-sleep modes without compromising system-level power budget. |
| Power-Up/Down Time | <100 ns (10–90%) - Meets tight TDD timing constraints in modern Wi-Fi MAC layer protocols. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-contact WQFN, 4 mm × 4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal paddle (SST Package Code QD). Complies with JEDEC MO-220J variant WGGD-4.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (LNAIN) | LNA RF Input | 50 Ω matched single-ended receive antenna interface; no external DC blocking required. |
| 4, 5 (PAOUT) | PA RF Output | Dual-output configuration enables balanced layout or diversity routing; both pins carry identical RF signal. |
| 6, 9, 11 (VCC_TX2, VCC_TX1, VCCb) | PA Power Supplies | Independent bias rails for PA stages - allows optimization of efficiency vs. linearity trade-offs. |
| 10 (VREF) | PA Enable & Current Control | Ultra-low-current control input (IREF <4 mA); sets operating point and enables fast on/off switching. |
| 14 (PAIN) | PA RF Input | 50 Ω matched single-ended transmit path input; accepts typical +10 dBm driver output. |
| 18 (LNAOUT) | LNA RF Output | 50 Ω matched output directly interfaces with downconversion mixer or SAW filter. |
| 22 (VDD_RX) | LNA Power Supply | Dedicated 3.3 V supply rail; draws only 10 mA typical, enabling low-power RX mode operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated LNA + PA in single WQFN | Reduces PCB area by >40% vs. discrete solutions; eliminates inter-stage matching complexity. |
| Self-biased LNA with no external resistors | Eliminates 4–6 passive components per LNA stage, lowering BOM cost and layout risk. |
| 50 Ω matched RX/TX ports | Removes need for external DC blocking capacitors, baluns, or impedance-matching networks. |
| Ultra-fast enable/disable control | Sub-200 ns total latency enables dynamic TDD scheduling in 802.11n/ac PHY layers. |
| RoHS-compliant non-Pb finish | Meets global environmental regulations without requiring lead-free reflow process changes. |
Applications
| Wi-Fi Client Devices | IoT Gateway Transceivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Compact 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi client in smartphones, tablets, or USB dongles requiring low power consumption and small footprint. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-chain FEM handles both RX amplification and TX power boosting within same physical package; operates synchronously with MAC-layer TDD timing. Use Value: 70 mA idle current and 2.5 µA shutdown current extend battery life; 12 dB RX gain improves link margin in weak-signal indoor environments. | Use Scenario: Multi-node IoT gateway aggregating data from BLE/Wi-Fi sensors using concurrent 2.4 GHz radios. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides high-linearity TX output (23 dBm @ 802.11g) and low-noise RX path (1.45 dB NF) for reliable coexistence in dense RF environments. Use Value: Meets 802.11g OFDM ACPR mask at 23 dBm and 802.11b mask at 24 dBm - ensures regulatory compliance without external filtering. |
| Wireless Audio Streaming | Industrial Wireless Sensors |
Use Scenario: Real-time audio streaming over Wi-Fi with low-latency, low-EVM transmission. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PA chain delivers <4% added EVM at 20 dBm output for 54 Mbps 802.11g OFDM - preserving audio fidelity during packet bursts. Use Value: High TX linearity minimizes intermodulation distortion in multi-channel audio streams, reducing audible artifacts. | Use Scenario: Battery-powered industrial sensor node transmitting telemetry via 802.11b/g in harsh temperature environments (-40°C to +85°C). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Maintains ±1 dB gain/power variation across full operating temperature range - ensures consistent RF performance without calibration. Use Value: Stable 29 dB TX gain and 12 dB RX gain eliminate need for closed-loop power control circuitry in remote deployments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 2.4 GHz front-end module applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SST12LP14-QDF | Higher 33 dB TX gain; 2.4–2.5 GHz band only; requires external VREF resistor network. | Better suited for long-range access points needing higher output drive; less optimal for compact clients due to larger bias overhead. | Select when >30 dB TX gain is mandatory and board space allows additional bias components. |
| SKY85303-31 | Integrated T/R switch; 2.4–2.5 GHz; 27 dB TX gain; 1.7 dB NF; RoHS-compliant 16-pin QFN. | Reduces external switch count but lacks dual PA outputs; lower RX gain limits sensitivity in marginal links. | Choose when system-level integration priority outweighs absolute RX sensitivity requirements. |
Compared with SST12LF01-QDE, SST12LP14-QDF offers higher TX gain at the cost of increased bias complexity, while SKY85303-31 trades RX performance for integrated switching - making SST12LF01-QDE optimal for balanced, low-power, dual-output 2.4 GHz client designs.
Availability
SST12LF01-QDE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Wi-Fi client devices, IoT gateways, wireless audio streaming endpoints, and industrial wireless sensors requiring stable component supply, consistent RF performance across temperature, and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.
Supply support for SST12LF01-QDE 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 global provider of microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and connectivity solutions, acquired Silicon Storage Technology (SST) in 2016 to expand its RF and memory portfolio.
The SST12LF01-QDE belongs to Microchip's legacy SST RF Front-End Module product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-volume 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n client applications demanding low power, small form factor, and simplified RF design.
FAQ
What is the operating frequency range of the SST12LF01-QDE?
The SST12LF01-QDE operates across 2400–2550 MHz for its LNA chain and 2400–2485 MHz for its PA chain, fully covering the 2.4 GHz ISM band used by IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards. This range supports all 14 channels in the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band without retuning or band-switching circuitry.
Does the SST12LF01-QDE require external matching components?
No, the SST12LF01-QDE features internally matched 50 Ω input and output ports for both RX and TX chains. Its LNAIN and LNAOUT pins are DC-coupled and require no external DC blocking capacitors or impedance-matching networks, significantly reducing BOM count and layout complexity compared to discrete solutions.
What is the power-up time specification for the SST12LF01-QDE?
The SST12LF01-QDE achieves 10% to 90% power-up in under 100 ns, with total enable delay (including driver propagation) less than 200 ns. This ultra-fast switching supports time-division duplex (TDD) operation in modern Wi-Fi PHY layers where rapid RX/TX state transitions are critical for throughput and latency.
How does the SST12LF01-QDE handle thermal stability across temperature?
The SST12LF01-QDE maintains ±1 dB variation in both gain and output power from 0°C to +85°C ambient temperature. This stability is achieved through GaAs PHEMT/HBT process optimization and internal bias compensation, eliminating the need for external temperature compensation circuits in most client applications.
Is the SST12LF01-QDE pin-compatible with other SST front-end modules?
No, the SST12LF01-QDE uses a unique 24-pin WQFN pinout optimized for its dual-output PA and single-input LNA architecture. Pin assignments differ from SST12LP14-QDF (20-pin) and SST12LP05 (16-pin), requiring dedicated PCB layout - it is not a drop-in replacement for other SST FEMs.
SST12LF01-QDE Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- Bluetooth, WLAN
- Frequency:
- 2.4GHz
- Features:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-WQFN (4x4)
SST12LF01-QDE FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SST12LF01-QDE through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SST12LF01-QDE 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 SST12LF01-QDE reliable?
The price and inventory of SST12LF01-QDE are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SST12LF01-QDE is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SST12LF01-QDE?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SST12LF01-QDE transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SST12LF01-QDE?
SST12LF01-QDE orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SST12LF01-QDE 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 SST12LF01-QDE?
For technical support, including SST12LF01-QDE datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SST12LF01-QDE requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SST12LF01-QDE is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SST12LF01-QDE 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 SST12LF01-QDE meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SST12LF01-QDE?
All SST12LF01-QDE units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SST12LF01-QDE, 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 SST12LF01-QDE part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SST12LF01-QDE:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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