5 January 2017

Skyworks adds multi-band LTE front-end modules for IoT applications

Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA (which manufactures analog and mixed-signal semiconductors) has unveiled its next-generation LTE Category M-1 and NB-1 front-end solutions, which target machine-to-machine and Internet of Things (IoT) applications requiring embedded cellular connectivity.

The firm's multi-band modules leverage half-duplex RF operation to deliver a highly integrated, turn-key solution that addresses Release 13 specifications of the 3GPP LTE standard - providing dependable, secure, low-power connectivity in a compact package. The new products are said to allow OEMs to simplify the design process, shorten development time, meet operator requirements worldwide and significantly accelerate time to market.

"With leading cellular network operators announcing plans to enable the latest IoT standards on their networks in 2017, Skyworks is pleased to be pushing the performance envelope and offering our customers a single SKU [stock-keeping unit], low-cost LTE solution that operates over multiple frequency bands and supports migration from 2G," says VP of sales & marketing Carlos Bori. "Skyworks' modules are powering wireless cellular communications for applications such as wearables, action cameras, smart meters and other consumer IoT devices requiring LTE connectivity as well as paving the way for 5G machine-to-machine communication networks."

According to GSMA, cellular machine-to-machine connections are expected to grow from about 300 million devices today to as many as 2 billion by 2020. More broadly, market research firm IHS forecasts that the IoT market will grow from an installed base of 15 billion devices in 2015 to 31 billion devices in 2020.

Skyworks' portfolio of LTE front-end modules for IoT applications now comprises:

• the SKY68000 (launched in February 2016) - a hybrid RF front-end (RFFE) module supporting cellular LTE bands 4 and 13 for Category M-1 and NB-1 (half-duplex) transceiver platforms;
• the SKY68001 - a hybrid, universal multi-band RFFE module supporting cellular LTE Category M-1 and NB-1 (half-duplex) transceiver platforms covering more than 15 bands; and
• the SKY68011 - a hybrid, multi-band RFFE module supporting cellular LTE for Category M-1 and NB-1 (half-duplex) transceiver platforms covering more than eight bands.

Engineering samples are available now, with production commencing in first-half 2017.

See related items:

Skyworks launches fully integrated front-end modules for Internet of Things applications

Skyworks and Sequans deliver first device optimized for LTE Cat M

Tags: Skyworks

Visit: www.skyworksinc.com/Products/112/LTE_Front-end_Modules