Skyworks Ramps Production Of WCDMA Power Amplifier Module

Woburn, MA -- Skyworks Solutions, Inc. today announced it has received volume purchase orders from a tier-one handset OEM for its WCDMA power amplifier (PA) module.

Skyworks' WCDMA PA modules include the SKY77152, a high-efficiency, fully matched PA, and the revolutionary SKY77410 Load Insensitive Power Amplifier (LIPA) module, which delivers full RF performance even into an output load-mismatch of 4:1 voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR).

The LIPA model is a 16-pin product that, like the SKY77152, features a low current control (Vcont) pin to maximize power efficiency in both high and low RF power ranges, and a separate bias control (V BIAS) pin that can be directly connected to the battery, allowing the battery supply voltages (VCC1 and VCC2) to be operated as low as 0.8V.

Furthermore, the LIPA technology supports handset manufacturers who choose to use a single PA to span multiple frequency bands. The same product can be used in both the 1920 - 1980 MHz IMT-2000 band and the 1850 - 1910 MHz PCS band, providing competitive advantages for larger handset OEMs, ODMs, and contract manufacturers who are targeting European, Asian, and North American markets.

LIPA modules are packaged in Skyworks' low-cost, 4 x 4 x 1.5 mm laminate-based multi-chip module (MCM) packages that contain all active circuitry, including onboard bias circuitry, as well as input and output interstage matching. It also eliminates power-consuming isolator circuitry, significantly reducing cost and board space while dramatically increasing talk time.

These products are manufactured using Skyworks' single-chip 50 GHz gallium arsenide (GaAs) heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) process technology with an indium gallium phosphide (InGaP) emitter, which provides for all positive-voltage DC supply operation while maintaining the highest power efficiency and excellent linearity.

Source: Skyworks Solutions