GPRS handset manufacturers are being offered a new solution in the form of complementary metal oxide semiconductor front-end module by Skyworks Solutions Inc.

 

Their latest device, SKY77555, provides a high performance solution in an ultra-small package of 5 x 6 millimeter for use in entry level phones.

 

SKY77555 is a transmit and receive front-end module and is based on CMOS power amplifier. The module consists of a GSM900/DCS1800 power amplifier, Tx harmonic filtering, high linearity and low insertion loss RF switches, and diplexer. A full dual band power amplifier function has been integrated with the use of CMOS technology.

 

A high level of accuracy in power control has been achieved with the help of a closed-loop power control system. The power control is able to keep the current drain low under load mismatch conditions. The RF switches and the diplexer are used for connecting the antenna pad to the receive pad and the power amplifier die. The assembly mounted on a multilayer laminate substrate is encapsulated with plastic overmold. External control pads are provided to be used for band selection. The device also supports class 12 GPRS multi-slot operation.

 

Gregory L. Walters, executive vice president and general manager for front end solutions, at Skyworks stated that their front end module solution enables handset manufacturers to create ultra small low-cost GSM/GPRS solutions and the company has plans to come up with a variety of new products which can meet the needs of smart phone manufacturers to come up with low cost products. Their high-performance, field proven RF subsystems permit wireless terminal manufacturers to reduce RF footprint and reduce power consumption for next generation handsets.

 

This RF solution does not require matching optimization between the amplifier and the switch. Hence it reduces the time to market when compared with traditional architecture and simplifies the supply chain for high volume, cost-sensitive phones. 

 

In related news, Telit Wireless Solutions, Inc., a U.S.-based mobile technology division of Telit Communications (News - Alert), recently announced that Quake Global, a manufacturer of satellite data modems, selected its GSM/GPRS M2M communications module, Telit's GE865-QUAD.