15 February 2011

Skyworks adds GaAs- and SOI-based antenna switch modules for smart-phones, tablets and datacards

Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA, which manufactures linear products, power amplifiers, front-end modules and radio solutions for handset and infrastructure equipment, has launched a new family of antenna switch modules (ASMs) for dual- and triple-mode smart-phones, tablets and datacards. Samples are available now, for volume production starting in second-half 2011.

The new devices cover a wide range of applications from low-cost 3G handsets to HSPA+/LTE-enabled datacentric devices such as high-end smart-phones, data dongles and tablets — all of which require design flexibility, high performance and cost-effective architectures.

Skyworks’ RF switch products are based on both gallium arsenide (GaAs) and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technologies and complement its front-end and power amplifier module portfolio, allowing the firm to capture additional dollar content per platform.

“Skyworks is excited to be augmenting our broad GaAs and silicon-based RF front-end solutions portfolio with these new SOI devices that help address real market needs and enhance performance requirements,” says Gregory L. Waters, executive VP & general manager of front-end solutions. “Our ability to meet customers’ needs on multiple fronts and with highly integrated architectures demonstrates the breadth and depth of Skyworks’ technology and capabilities in this demanding market,” he adds.

The SKY13402-466LF is a GaAs pseudomorphic high-electron-mobility transistor (pHEMT) single-pole, ten-throw (SP10T) antenna switch with an integrated mobility industry processor interface (MIPI) decoder and dual low-pass harmonic filters. The switch has six transmit (Tx)/receive (Rx) ports, suiting any combination of 2G/3G multi-mode cellular applications. Using advanced switching technologies, the device maintains low insertion loss and high isolation for both Tx and Rx switching paths. The switch also has what is claimed to be an excellent triple beat ratio and 2nd/3rd-order modulation distortion performance.

The SKY18108 is a single-pole, nine-throw (SP9T) antenna switch front-end module (FEM) packaged in a 3.2mm x 2.5mm, 20-pin multi-chip module (MCM). The low-cost switch has three high linearity ports suitable for transparent bridging (tri-band 3G/quad-band 2G or TD-SCDMA/2G multi-mode handsets and datacards). Based on SOI technology and including Tx harmonic filters, the device is designed for dual-mode, high-power switching applications that require low insertion loss. It is also optimized for both GSM/EDGE/WCDMA and TD-SCDMA systems.

The SKY18110 is a single-pole, eight-throw (SP8T) ASM packaged in a 3.2mm x 3.2mm, 20-pin MCM for use in multi-mode, high-power band switching applications that demand low insertion loss. Based on SOI technology and including Tx harmonic filters, it has six high-linearity ports, providing full flexibility for 2G GSM/EDGE, 3G and LTE handsets and datacards.

The SKY18116 is a SP8T ASM packaged in a 3.2mm x 2.5mm, 18-pin MCM designed for dual- and tri-mode, high-power band switching applications that require low-insertion loss. Based on SOI technology and including Tx harmonic filters, it has six high linearity ports, providing full flexibility for 2G, 3G and LTE handsets and datacards, and is optimized for GSM/EDGE, WCDMA and LTE systems.

The SKY18118 is a SP10T switch FEM packaged in a 3.5mm x 3.2mm, 20-pin MCM. The FEM has five high-linearity ports, providing full flexibility for 2G, 3G and LTE handsets and datacards. It is based on SOI technology and includes Tx harmonic filters as well as 2G Rx surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters and is optimized for compact layout and highly integrated RF front-end solutions.

Skyworks is showcasing its product portfolio in Hall 8, Stand C132 at this week’s Mobile World Congress 2011 in Barcelona, Spain (14–17 February).

Tags: Skyworks GaAs SOI Antenna switch modules

Visit: www.skyworksinc.com

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