RF Micro Devices Extends PowerStar Power Amplifier Module Portfolio

Greensboro, NC -- RF Micro Devices, Inc. (RFMD) today introduced the next generation of its PowerStar power amplifier (PA) module portfolio. The two new PowerStar PA modules measure 6 mm by 6 mm by 1.4 mm and represent greater than 30% reduction in size versus the previous generation of PowerStar PA modules. The modules reduce complexity and streamline the design process, enabling handset manufacturers to accelerate feature-rich handsets to market.

The newest generation of RFMD's PowerStar PA modules includes:

• the quad-band RF3158 (GSM/GPRS/EDGE), optimized for linear EDGE using either direct I&Q modulators or small signal polar modulation, and
  
• the quad-band RF3166 (GSM/GPRS), optimized for GSM/GPRS class 12.

The RF3158 and RF3166 also feature integrated battery voltage (VBATT) tracking circuitry, which is an industry first for standard PA module products. Battery voltage monitoring circuitry automatically measures battery voltage and adjusts ramp voltage, thereby preventing the power control loop from reaching saturation during low voltage battery conditions. VBATT tracking circuitry also significantly reduces transients, which occur at low battery voltage conditions and can reduce efficiency. Prior to RFMD's integrated VBATT tracking circuit technology, handset designers were required to manually adjust ramp voltage within the software. RFMD's VBATT tracking circuit reduces handset design time and ensures robust performance over broad operating conditions.

"RFMD is unique in its ability to supply PAs across all major air interface standards, enabling our customers broad flexibility across all cellular protocols, including GSM, GPRS, CDMA, WCDMA, polar EDGE and linear EDGE," Konrad Alvarino, general manager of power amplifier products, RF Micro Devices, said.

"By leveraging our expertise in process and packaging technologies, we've integrated battery voltage tracking circuitry into a 6x6mm form factor, thereby offering our design partners exceptional GPRS and EDGE performance in a simple and easy to use module," Alvarino added. "RFMD designers have included all the necessary matching components into the modules, so layout and assembly requirements are simplified to input and output traces only. With their reduced footprint, the highly integrated RF3158 and RF3166 also provide enhanced performance and ease of implementation, thereby enabling our customers to introduce high-quality, feature-rich next-generation handsets more quickly and cost-effectively."

Source: RF Micro Devices