Skyworks Introduces Wireless LAN Power Amplifier With On-Chip Filtering

PA Plus solution to become an integral part of Skyworks' 802.11b/g WLAN front-end module family

Fort Worth, TX -- MTT-S 2004 -- Skyworks Solutions, Inc. today announced the launch of yet another highly innovative, high-performance power amplifier (PA) -- this time for 802.11 b/g WLAN systems.

Skyworks' new PA Plus with on-chip harmonic filtering, eliminates the need for additional filtering in the transmit chain. The PA delivers superior output power at high data rates, improving WLAN throughput while extending battery life in handheld device applications such as PCMCIA cards, mini PCI cards, access points and other wireless data designs. Additionally, PA Plus offers outstanding linearity and efficiency with its streamlined applications circuit, reducing the component count by 30 percent when compared to alternative PA solutions, and cutting the size and cost of WLAN products while simplifying board layout.

"Skyworks' new PA Plus solution builds on the company's leadership position in highly efficient PA modules for cellular applications," said Mark Comerford, director of wireless data at Skyworks. "With PA Plus, designers will be able to eliminate some costly filters and other components in order to realize a significant bill of materials reduction. Initially available as a discrete product, the PA will become an integral part of Skyworks' next generation WLAN front-end modules, taking advantage of our broad product and process technology portfolio."

In 2003, Skyworks introduced the world's first 802.11a/b/g front-end modules, demonstrating its cellular handset RF integration expertise in combining PA, switch and filter functions into a single convenient module that dramatically reduced system design time and cost. Since then, Skyworks has expanded its family to support virtually any combination of 802.11 features and capabilities, including several frequency bands and multiple modulation techniques. Customers can develop complete architectures with fewer components than with alternative solutions, saving valuable space across all wireless data platforms.

About the PA Plus (SKY65006)
Skyworks' PA Plus is a highly efficient WLAN power amplifier for 802.11 b/g applications. A key feature of the PA is its versatility to be biased at higher voltage levels to deliver an additional 15 percent of output power for improved performance in access point and higher-voltage USB designs. The PA delivers 17 dBm of linear output power for 802.11g and 20 dBm of linear output power for 802.11b, while consuming a low 100 mA and 120 mA of power, respectively, when operating from a 3.3-volt supply. At a VCC of 5.0 volts, designers can achieve up to 3 dBm of additional output power from the PA, for access point and USB applications. It is internally matched to 50 Ohms at both the input and the output and includes a temperature compensated output power detector. A version with an integrated directional power detector will also be available by the end of 2004. On-chip harmonic filtering further eliminates the need for additional filtering in the transmit chain for wireless applications where low current consumption is critical.

PA Plus is manufactured using the company's InGaP HBT process to deliver optimum performance and reliability. It is available in a 3 x 3mm low-cost, quad flat no-lead (QFN) package. Volume production will commence this quarter.

Source: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.