News

5 February 2009

 

TriQuint launches module for converged 3G/4G RF devices

RF front-end product manufacturer TriQuint Semiconductor Inc of Hillsboro, OR, USA has launched its TRIUMF (TriQuint Unified Mobile Front-end) Module family, a convergence architecture for mobile device manufacturers designing next-generation 3G/4G products.

Multi-mode capability includes support for GSM/GPRS/EDGE for voice and lower-rate data and WCDMA/HSPA/LTE for high-speed data. Multi-band capability features the traditional quad-band GSM850/900/DCS1800/PCS1900 bands ‘unified’ with options for the 3GPP designated bands 1 through 17 enabling worldwide WCDMA/HSPA/LTE coverage.

The module family will therefore offer manufacturers a streamlined radio frequency footprint combining GSM, EDGE, WCDMA and HSPA transmit functionality into one module. This convergence of functionality into one power amplifier module should offer a size reduction of up to 50% over existing multi-band module solutions, TriQuint reckons.

TriQuint says that the TRIUMF module architecture will enable manufacturers to use the converged module in place of multiple discrete modules. A single converged PA module coupled with antenna switching, mode/band switch and duplexers can therefore reduce front-end board area, making board space for features such as Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, cameras, and FM radios. Combining four separate PA modules into one lowers inventory and centralizes sourcing with one preferred vendor, while cutting handset assembly cost (reducing the bill-of-materials), says Triquint.

Also, scalability means that the module will work seamlessly in a variety of board configurations, including 3G low-cost, middle-tier and high-end smartphones, as well as 3G/4G data-cards.

“TriQuint set the industry standard for size and performance with its highly integrated TRITIUM and QUANTUM Module families for 3G devices,” says Andreas Nitschke, product marketing manager for mobile handsets. “We are using this expertise and ability to design both active and passive RF elements into one elegant RF system solution,” he adds. TRIUMF will combine support for multiple frequency bands and modes into a single converged solution. “We are working closely with our chipset partners and customers to implement the architecture for next-generation 3G and 4G devices [including for long-term evolution (LTE) standards].”

TriQuint says that the TRIUMF Module family will be designed in close alignment with industry-leading 3G chipset solutions and optimized towards FTA readiness.

TriQuint will discuss its full range of RF solutions at next week’s 2009 GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain (16-19 February).

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