26 February 2014

Skyworks launches scalable antenna switch solutions supporting LTE and carrier aggregation

At the 2014 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain (24–27 February), analog semiconductor maker Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA has unveiled a set of antenna switch solutions supporting LTE, LTE-Advanced and next-generation carrier aggregation architectures. The portfolio includes highly integrated antenna switch modules (ASM) as well as transmit and receive diversity switches. The dual-mode MIPI RFFE-compliant modules are modem-agnostic, making them compatible with every leading chipset provider.

Carrier aggregation allows mobile service providers to combine spectrum and increase data rate throughput by utilizing two or more bands simultaneously instead of the single-band method used currently, providing consumers an enriched data experience regardless of location.

“With the addition of these high-performance modules and analog control ICs, Skyworks now offers smartphone providers the broadest and most scalable solutions to meet demanding carrier aggregation requirements,” claims David Stasey, VP & general manager of analog solutions. “OEMs can quickly modify their RF front-ends and adapt to multiple band configurations, providing a high level of design flexibility to support differing regional band requirements.”

Designed specifically for carrier aggregation, the SKY13530 (dual-pole 10-throw), SKY13532 (dual-pole 14-throw) and SKY13535 (dual-pole 21-throw) ASM portfolio has independent programmable registers for low-band and mid-high-band switch banks, allowing for multiple carrier aggregation band combinations. This flexibility provides rapid regional customization for smartphone and modem manufacturers, says Skyworks. In addition, the low-band switch banks are optimized for improved harmonic suppression.

In conjunction with its carrier aggregation LTE portfolio, Skyworks is releasing single-output ASMs to support non-carrier aggregation implementations of the LTE rollout. The SKY13491-21 (single-pole 14-throw), SKY13492 (single-pole 16-throw), SKY13488 (single-pole 12-throw) and SKY13498 (single-pole 10-throw) provide scalability in non-carrier aggregation stock keeping units (SKUs).

Both carrier aggregation and non-carrier aggregation antenna switches feature an integrated dual-mode MIPI RFFE controller. Common truth tables and common footprint philosophy allow for system scalability and programming code reuse to expedite front-end modifications at Skyworks’ customer design center.

See related items:

Skyworks enhances portfolio of antenna switch modules and LTE switch solutions

Tags: Skyworks Antenna switch modules

Visit: www.skyworksinc.com