The MAX2430 is a versatile, silicon RF power amplifier that operates directly from a 3V to 5.5V supply, making it suitable for 3-cell NiCd or 1-cell lithium-ion battery applications. It is designed for use in the 800MHz to 1000MHz frequency range and, at 915MHz, can produce +21dBm (125mW) of output power with greater than 32dB of gain at VCC = 3.6V. A unique shutdown function provides an off supply current of typically less than 1A to save power during "idle slots" in time-division multiple-access (TDMA) transmissions. An external capacitor sets the RF output power envelope ramp time. External power control is also possible over a 15dB range. The amplifier's input is matched on-chip to 50. The output is an open collector that is easily matched to a 50 load with few external components.