29 February 2012

Skyworks enhances portfolio of antenna switch modules and LTE switch solutions

Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA (which manufactures high-reliability analog and mixed-signal semiconductors) has expanded its family of antenna switch modules (ASMs) for smartphones and tablets, offering solutions in up to 14 throw counts to meet various handset makers’ layout preferences and design needs. Skyworks is also unveiling a full suite of complementary discrete LTE transmit and receive solutions covering single-pole double-throw (SPDT) through single-pole eight-throw (SP8T) applications in a compact 2mm x 2mm footprint.

Together, the latest devices support low-cost 3G handsets, as well as high-speed packet access/LTE-enabled data-centric devices such as data cards and tablets – both of which require design flexibility, high performance and cost-effective architectures.

Skyworks’ RF switch solutions are based on gallium arsenide pHEMT and silicon technology and complement its existing GaAs and silicon power amplifiers and front-end solutions. “Our ability to support multiple platforms and architectures in various process technologies demonstrates Skyworks’ technical breadth,” says David Stasey, VP of analog components.

The firm’s ASMs are logic-compatible with the interface requirements of the leading 3G/4G chipset providers. In addition to integrated switch and logic, the devices all feature dual low-pass GSM harmonic filters. Designed for any combination of 2G/3G multimode cellular applications, the ASMs are:

• The SKY13404-466LF is a single-pole 10-throw ASM in a compact 2.6mm x 3.4mm QFN (quad flat no lead) package designed for dual- and tri-mode, high-power band switching applications that require low insertion loss. The device features eight high-linearity ports, providing full flexibility for 2G, 3G and LTE handsets and data cards.
• The SKY13412-487LF is a single-pole 12-throw ASM in a 3.0mm x 3.8mm QFN package featuring 10 high-linearity ports providing full flexibility for 2G, 3G and LTE handsets and data cards. The device includes port-to-port RF isolation comparisons in order to optimize signal routing in an increasingly more challenging RF signal environment.
• The SKY18120-11 is a single-pole nine-throw ASM in a very compact 2.5mm x 2.5mm package, 20-pin multi-chip module. The device has three high-linearity ports suitable for tri-band 3G/quad-band 2G or TD-SCDMA/2G multi-mode handsets and data cards.

Skyworks’ LTE transmit/receive switches are high-linearity solutions that can handle multiple-input, multiple-output receive diversity as well as post power amplifier WCDMA/HSPA+/LTE PA transmit signal routing requirements. Using advanced switching technologies, the devices maintain low insertion loss and high isolation for both transmit and receive switching paths:

• The SKY1341X-485 scalable family of products covers single-pole four-throw through SP8T switches that allow up to eight bands of WCDMA/LTE transmitting and receiving. The high-linearity performance and low insertion loss suit main/diversity switching commonly used in LTE-based handsets, data cards and tablets that use antenna diversity solutions. The SKY13414-485LF (single-pole four-throw), SKY13415-485LF (single-pole five-throw), SKY13416-485LF (single-pole six-throw), SKY13417-485LF (single-pole seven-throw) and SKY13418-485LF (SP8T) are a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) control-logic-compatible series of LTE transmit/receive switches in a 2.0mm x 2.0mm lead-frame package.
• The SKY13330-397LF is a SPDT all-symmetric-port transmit/receive switch in a 2.0mm x 2.0mm lead-frame package. Designed for post linear power amplifier single routing to frequency filtering components, the device is differentiated by very low insertion loss and its single-bit GPIO control.

Skyworks showcased its product portfolio at this week’s 2012 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain (27 February– 1 March).

Tags: Skyworks Antenna switch modules

Visit: www.skyworksinc.com