14 February 2011

RFMD launches 4G HSPA+ power amplifiers with peak efficiency

RF Micro Devices Inc has announced availability of its RF724x family of HSPA+ power amplifiers (PAs), consisting of five single-mode PAs covering WCDMA bands 1, 2, 4, 5 and 8 to address the most common 3G/4G frequency bands and band combinations for smartphones, tablets and other high-performance data-centric connected devices.

The RF724x PAs support ultra-high peak efficiency of 48–51%, which is significantly above current competitive offerings, the firm claims. Also, when combined with one of RFMD’s companion DC–DC converters or with chipsets featuring on-chip DC–DC converter functionality, they can deliver what is claimed to be best-in-class DG.09 performance as low as 13mA, translating directly into superior 3G talk-time.

“RF724x power amplifiers are specifically designed to reduce the thermal impact of data usage in smartphones while enabling increased battery life during data-based applications like web surfing, video calls and internet radio services,” says Eric Creviston, president of RFMD’s Cellular Products Group (CPG). “We anticipate significant customer adoption this year, and we expect our first production shipments will commence for a leading North American smartphone manufacturer later this quarter.”

All RF724x PAs are packaged in a standardized 3mm x 3mm footprint, improving smartphone platform flexibility and ease of implementation, says the firm. They also feature an integrated high-directivity coupler, standard 2-bit GPIO control logic, and low insertion phase shift between bias states.

Tags: RFMD 4G HSPA+ power amplifiers

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