The SX1701A / SX1701B / SX1701 family of highly linear wideband low noise amplifiers (LNAs) with differential outputs sets a new LNA platform into the market that offers flat response from 40 MHz to 2.5 GHz. The devices are ideally suited for such applications as satellite and terrestrial TV set top boxes (STBs), RF active splitters and other active balun applications. These wideband LNAs offer excellent RF performance and provide differential outputs compatible with current STB front-end tuner devices. The SX1701 platform has a differential output architecture that eliminates the need for PCB baluns, and requires a minimal number of external components, thus saving board space and cost. SX1701 devices are offered in 1-, 2- and 3-channel versions with each active channel having independently selectable gain of +6 dB, +12 dB and +18 dB, ideal for a wide dynamic range of input RF signals.

These devices provide LNA functionality to drive the main tuner, PIP tuner, and DVR tuner in STB applications as well as easy implementation of loop-thru architectures. The SX1701 family matches a 75-Ohm single-ended source to a 100-Ohm differential load while dissipating only 130 mA (typ) of power per enabled channel. Each channel provides excellent RF performance and linearity offering OIP3 of 22 dBm, OIP2 of 53 dBm, and an output P1 dB of +13 dBm. With Input Return Loss of 15 dB @2 GHz and Output Return Loss of 20 dB @2 GHz, no external matching networks or bias inductors are required to deliver this performance, unlike competing devices.