24 February 2016

Skyworks launches next-generation SkyOne Ultra 2.0 solution, leveraging SkyBlue technology to address global carrier aggregation and deliver LTE band support

Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA (which manufactures analog and mixed-signal semiconductors) has launched SkyOne Ultra 2.0, a highly integrated, single LTE SKU (stock-keeping unit) solution that solves harmonically related carrier aggregation challenges through design while delivering what is claimed to be the highest linear RF power as well as power-added efficiency.

The next-generation platform is a complete RF front-end system consisting of three LTE modules that utilize Skyworks' new SkyBlue technology in addition to a separate 2G transmitter - covering all of the functionality between the transceiver output and the antenna. The new platform not only improves performance in terms of power output and system efficiency, it also delivers this performance in the most compact size commercially available, supporting 22 bands in less than 240mm2.

"With today's high-end smartphones supporting upwards of 20 frequency bands and more than 30 carrier aggregation combinations, OEMs face tremendous challenges in managing board size and operating battery life," says Joel King, VP & general manager of Advanced Mobile Solutions at Skyworks. "SkyOne Ultra 2.0 delivers on both fronts, providing best-in-class battery life and overall system efficiency in an industry-leading compact footprint," he adds. "Further, it enables true single-SKU platforms with flexible antenna support and a baseband-agnostic interface, giving OEMs competitive advantages and reduced times to market, it is claimed. SkyOne Ultra 2.0 also delivers enhanced output power to address emerging Class 2, high-power user equipment (HPUE) requirements."

SkyOne Ultra 2.0 solutions are ramping in first-half 2016 with several customers and consist of the following:

• SKY87020-11 - a high-efficiency RF front-end power management IC for average power tracking RF power amplifier applications in portable battery-powered devices. The IC includes a high-efficiency DC-DC voltage converter with a 4.5V reference supply to provide a user-programmable RF power amplifier average power tracking supply for a 2.5-5.5V input range. It also provides an additional 4.5V bias supply for RF power amplifier operation. This bias voltage output can supply load currents up to 3 mA and is available whenever the device is enabled. When the device is disabled, the VIN supply is bypassed to the 4V5 output.
• SKY78113 - a multimode multiband front-end module (FEM) that supports 3G/4G and CDMA handsets and performs efficiently in CDMA, WCDMA, HSPA and LTE modes. The FEM consists of a WCDMA block operating in the low bands, a logic control block for multiple power control levels, and band-enable functions in both cellular and UMTS.
• SKY78114 - a multimode multiband FEM that supports 3G/4G, and CDMA handsets and operates efficiently in CDMA, TD-SCDMA, WCDMA, HSPA and LTE modes. It consists of a WCDMA blocks operating in the middle bands, a logic control block for multiple power control levels, and band enable functions in both cellular and UMTS.
• SKY78117 - a multimode multiband FEM that supports 4G handsets and operates efficiently in FDD/TDD LTE modes. It consists of an LTE block operating in the high bands, a logic control block for multiple power control levels.
• SKY77360-12 - a power amplifier module designed for 2G quad-band cellular handsets supporting fixed gain Gaussian Minimum-Shift Keying (GMSK), fixed gain linear Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution (EDGE) modulation in the GSM850/900 and DCS1800/PCS1900 bands, and TD-SCDMA modulation in Bands 34 and 39. Class12 General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) multi-slot operation is also supported.

Skyworks is exhibiting in stand 2F18 (Hall 2) at the 2016 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain (22-25 February).

Tags: Skyworks

Visit: www.skyworksinc.com