Infineon BGA925L6: A 7 GHz to 8 GHz Low-Noise Amplifier for 5G Infrastructure and Cellular Repeaters

The relentless global deployment of 5G networks demands increasingly sophisticated radio frequency (RF) components that can deliver higher performance, greater efficiency, and superior reliability. At the heart of these systems, particularly in the critical receive chain, the low-noise amplifier (LNA) plays a pivotal role. The Infineon BGA925L6 emerges as a standout solution, engineered specifically to meet the rigorous demands of 5G infrastructure and cellular repeaters operating in the 7 GHz to 8 GHz frequency band.

This frequency range is crucial for next-generation backhaul and fronthaul links, which form the communication backbone connecting 5G base stations (gNBs) to the core network. These links require exceptionally clear and strong signals to handle massive data throughput. The BGA925L6 addresses this need by offering an outstanding low noise figure of just 0.9 dB at 8 GHz. This exceptional performance ensures that the amplifier introduces minimal additional noise itself, thereby preserving the integrity of weak desired signals received by the antenna and significantly improving the overall signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the system.

Beyond its impressive noise characteristics, the BGA925L6 provides a high gain of 17.5 dB at 8 GHz. This high level of amplification is vital for overcoming losses in subsequent stages of the RF chain, such as in filters and mixers, ensuring the signal is sufficiently strong for further processing. Furthermore, the amplifier exhibits excellent linearity, with an output third-order intercept point (OIP3) of +22 dBm. This high linearity is essential for handling complex modulated signals used in 5G (e.g., 256 QAM) without generating significant intermodulation distortion, which can interfere with adjacent channels and degrade signal quality.

Housed in a compact, low-thermal-resistance 6-lead BGA package, the device is designed for robust performance and simplified PCB integration. Its small form factor is ideal for the space-constrained designs of modern massive MIMO antennas and dense cellular repeater units. The LNA also incorporates an integrated shut-down function, enhancing power management capabilities and contributing to overall system energy efficiency—a key consideration for network operators aiming to reduce operational costs.

In application, the BGA925L6 is perfectly suited for a variety of roles. In 5G macro and small cell base stations, it serves as the first active component in the receiver path, setting the stage for overall system sensitivity. In cellular repeaters and boosters, which are essential for extending network coverage to indoor spaces and remote areas, this LNA ensures that even the weakest signals are amplified cleanly before being rebroadcast.

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In summary, the Infineon BGA925L6 is a high-performance, highly integrated LNA that delivers a combination of ultra-low noise, high gain, and excellent linearity. It is a critical enabler for advanced 5G infrastructure, ensuring reliable, high-speed data transmission and expanded network coverage.

Keywords: Low-Noise Amplifier, 5G Infrastructure, 7-8 GHz, Noise Figure, Cellular Repeaters.