6 June 2014

Skyworks introduces suite of LNAs targeting 4G LTE wireless infrastructure

At the IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS 2014) in Tampa, FL (3-5 June), analog semiconductor maker Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA has unveiled a suite of ultra-low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) - now available for both sampling and production - for cellular infrastructure, wireless connectivity and broadcast communication applications.

The new LNAs provide what is claimed to be best-in-class noise figure (NF) as well as high gain and linearity, improving receiver sensitivity and dynamic range. Receiver sensitivity is a key specification of any radio used in wireless communications, given its important role in detecting and separating signals, as well ensuring effective operation.

Housed in compact 2mm x 2mm, 8-pin, dual flat no-lead packages, the SKY67150-396LF and SKY67153-396LF are optimized for 300-2200MHz and 700-3800MHz, respectively, with active bias, high linearity, superior gain and what is claimed to be industry-leading NF performance. Internal active bias circuitry provides stable performance over temperature and process variation. The LNA family uses a common layout with band-specific tuning and offers the ability to externally adjust supply current for system-level optimization.

“By leveraging our systems-level expertise, specialty processes and differentiated packaging technologies, we are offering customers highly optimized solutions for a wide range of communications applications,” says John O’Neill, VP of broad markets marketing.

The new devices also help to reduce performance variation over process and temperature changes, and provide highly flexible direct current biasing, in addition to fast on/off functionality with minimal switching - improving overall system power efficiency, the firm adds.

With accelerating 4G LTE network deployment, mobile operators are investing to keep pace with the growth in mobile data traffic, says Skyworks. In fact, mobile broadband demand is at an all-time high, with some operators reporting a doubling of data traffic in each of the last five years. This is creating pressure to deploy more efficient network technologies that can deliver increased mobile data capacity at a lower cost. As a result, operators are investing heavily in advanced LNA-intensive infrastructure platforms.

According to the report ‘LTE Base Station Market Forecast 2014-2024: Top Companies Creating the Next Generation Infrastructure for 4G Mobile Telecommunications’ issued in February by Visiongain, 2014 will be a pivotal year and one of significant growth for LTE base-stations as mobile operators will need to increase network capacity to handle the explosive growth in data traffic. In addition, TechNavio’s analysts forecast that the global LTE base-station market will increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 49.5% by 2016.

Tags: Skyworks LNA

Visit: www.skyworksinc.com