Skyworks Introduces Integrated RF Transmit Front-End Module For EDGE Handsets

Woburn, MA -- Skyworks Solutions, Inc. today introduced the world's first highly integrated RF transmit front-end module (FEM) for EDGE cellular handsets. Skyworks' new SKY77502 FEM integrates the power amplifier (PA), harmonic filters, and transmit and receive switch functions into a single package, saving handset developers significant design time and board space.

"Our new front-end module will allow design engineers to quickly develop EDGE-enabled phones that work across next generation cellular networks," said Brian Daly, Skyworks' director of marketing for RF solutions. "We are well positioned to capture additional market share with our latest product offering as handset manufacturers move towards EDGE platforms that provide their customers with bandwidth intensive, advanced multimedia services."

Skyworks has already secured an important reference design with a top-tier chipset supplier to deliver a series of handsets targeted for EDGE and UMTS. This is in large part due to the fact that Skyworks' FEM can be easily paired with multiple baseband solutions to deliver high linearity and performance.

About the SKY77502 FEM
Skyworks' SKY77502 FEM integrates a high-performance quad-band PA, high-linearity transmit/receive switches, and all associated filtering, duplexing and control functions into a single multi-chip module (MCM) without the need for external matching components, reducing design times and speeding total time-to-market for the introduction of new EDGE handsets. The SKY77502 is designed to work with direct modulation GSM, GPRS and EDGE systems, and utilizes an on-board complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) bias regulator to enable the handset to function as a high-performance saturated amplifier in GSM mode, and as a linear amplifier in EDGE mode. This switched bias approach and high-performance heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) amplifier provides exceptional power-added efficiency at the handset level. Manufactured using Skyworks' proprietary HBT power amplifier process and low-loss pseudomorphic high-electron mobility transistor (PHEMT) switch technologies, the SKY77502 delivers superior handset talk and standby time.

Availability
Skyworks' SKY77502 module is available in a 9.1 mm x 11.6 mm laminate-based MCM. The SKY77502 is sampling now and is expected to begin volume production in the first quarter of 2005.

Source: Skyworks Solutions