SKY77185: High-Efficiency Linear Power Amplifier

Skyworks Solutions, Inc. recently unveiled a new high-efficiency linear power amplifier (PA) for wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) handsets. The SKY77185, designed to address European market needs for the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) radio access network, is currently sampling

Skyworks Solutions, Inc. recently unveiled a new high-efficiency linear power amplifier (PA) for wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) handsets. The SKY77185, designed to address European market needs for the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) radio access network, is currently sampling. Skyworks has shipped over 50 million WCDMA PAs as of December 2007.

Skyworks drastically reduced bill-of-materials (BOM) by including an integrated coupler for power control - typically a discrete component on the reference design. In addition, the PA produces high power added efficiency (PAE) at mid power which significantly increases talk times.

The SKY77185 3 x 3 x 1 mm band 1 PA with integrated coupler is a fully matched, 10-pad surface mount module developed for WCDMA applications. This small and efficient PA packs full coverage of the 1920-1980 megahertz (MHz) bandwidth into a single compact package. Due to high efficiencies attained throughout the entire power range, the solution delivers unsurpassed talk-time advantages.

The single gallium arsenide (GaAs) microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) contains all active circuitry in the module. The MMIC contains on-board bias circuitry, as well as input and interstage matching circuits. The device is manufactured using the company's InGaP GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) BiFET process that provides for all positive voltage direct current (DC) supply operation while maintaining high efficiency and linearity. Digital bias control can be used to optimize efficiency at high, mid and low power.

Samples of the SKY77185 FEM are currently available, with volume production scheduled for July 2008.