News

2 September 2009

 

Anadigics shrinks power amps for 3G phones

GaAs-based power amplifier (PA) maker Anadigics Inc of Warren, NJ, USA has launched a new quad-band module, the AWE6159, that is far smaller than previous generations of PAs used in 3G phones.

Said to be 49% smaller than its own previous amplifier for high-end handsets, the chip is designed to meet the stringent performance requirements of mobile devices based on so-called GMSK (Gaussian minimum shift-keying) and EDGE modes.

The company says that, despite measuring just 5mm by 5mm, and only 1mm thick, the AWE6159 delivers the higher saturated output power levels required by 3G devices.

“The new, much smaller AWE6159 includes an integrated power control for GMSK and EDGE modes to allow easy conversion between these two modes,” says Bruce Webber, director of marketing at the firm.

“It’s this key feature that successfully drove the adoption of our AWT6280 EDGE PA into millions of handsets, smartphones and data devices,” added the company. “Many GSM operators have upgraded their networks, and EDGE capability is being designed into forthcoming WCMDA/HSPA mobile devices to provide the necessary compatibility.”

Anadigics’ new module also includes separate amplifier chains to support both GSM850/900 and DCS/PCS bands, each optimized to deliver GMSK and 8-PSK modulated RF with superior efficiency and low harmonics, it is claimed.

Joe DeMoura, EDGE product line director at the firm, added: “The 49% size reduction significantly decreases board area, while the lower battery current meets the growing efficiency requirements of 3G devices to preserve battery life and extend talk/data time.”

Samples of the AWE6159 are available now.

Search: Anadigics GaAs Quad-band module

Visit: www.anadigics.com

The author Michael Hatcher is a freelance journalist based in Bristol, UK.