Discrete Semiconductors In RF System Design
The market for discrete RF semiconductors is alive and well, despite the "prevailing wisdom" that increasingly capable integrated circuits make these components obsolete. In this quarterly column series, Rick Cory of Skyworks Solutions, Inc. explores various questions and challenges related to using discrete RF/microwave semiconductors in electronics design.
Connectedness
This installment explores how the fabric of the electronic communications infrastructure is evolving commensurate with that of its mobile equipment counterparts. Read the article.
Hearing Despite The Din: The Proliferation Of Low Noise Amplifiers
This article discusses the advent and adoption of smart energy systems — which utilize radio links to enable two-way communications between customers and suppliers and also to give consumers real-time information on their energy consumption — and how that will increase our use of radio technology. Read the article.
Smart Energy: The Cure For Chaos?
This installment explores the role of RF technology in the implementation of the smart grid and smart energy applications. Read the article.
The Impact Of Smartphones On Discrete RF Components
This edition discusses the effect of smartphones on the RF/microwave segment of the electronics market. Read the article.
The Next Big Thing For Discrete RF Semiconductors: Health Care
This edition focuses on the growing use of discrete RF components in healthcare applications and discusses how devices and systems that employ RF
technology improve the lives of those afflicted with vascular disease, heart disease, glaucoma, and diabetes. Read the article.
Is There A Shortage Of Good RF Applications Engineers?
Here Cory discusses the recent not-so-subtle shift in RF circuit
design, with the field now being divided into two subspecialties: system
integrator and RF component designer. He then explores the need for RF
applications engineers to fill in the gap between these two camps. Read the article.
Is Smaller Better?
This installment discusses the current trend towards miniaturization in
electronic components and its impact on the RF and microwave industry. Read the article.
Discrete RF Semiconductors: Alive and Well
In this
column, Cory discusses how the market for discrete RF/microwave
semiconductors is not just alive and well, but that it is as healthy as any in
the electronics industry, and is weathering the current recession very well. Read the article.
About The Author
Rick Cory is an applications engineering manager for analog products at Skyworks Solutions, Inc. and has over 25 years of experience as an RF/microwave-semiconductor applications engineer. He holds a BSEET from the University of Lowell (now UMass/Lowell) and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
About Skyworks Solutions
Skyworks is an innovator of high reliability analog and mixed signal semiconductors. Leveraging core technologies, Skyworks offers diverse standard and custom linear products supporting automotive, broadband, cellular infrastructure, energy management, industrial, medical, military and mobile handset applications. The company's portfolio includes amplifiers, attenuators, detectors, diodes, directional couplers, front-end modules, hybrids, infrastructure RF subsystems, mixers/demodulators, phase shifters, PLLs/synthesizers/VCOs, power dividers/combiners, receivers, switches and technical ceramics. Learn more: www.skyworksinc.com