Bluetooth designs are as space-constrained as many other consumer electronic products. The UPG2301TQ power amplifier (PA) from NEC (in the US, available through California Eastern Laboratories) is packaged in a 10-pin plastic housing that has a 2.432.55mm footprint and is only 0.6mm high. It meets Bluetooth Class 1 specifications, operating from 2.4 to 2.5GHz, with output power of +23dBm and power gain of 23dB (both typical). Efficiency of this GaAs HBT PA is 50%, operating from a 3.3V supply. The PA supports automatic gain control, and its shutdown feature allows you to minimize quiescent power. You can also use this $1.20 (10,000 pieces) device as a driver amplifier for WLAN and ISM band applications.
