Freescale DigRF Subsystem Increases Talk Time For Cell Phones By 20%
Tempe, AZ -- Freescale Semiconductor claims to have increased talk time for handsets by up to 20% versus previous generations of GPRS handsets with the introduction of its quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE RF subsystem for world phones.
The RF subsystem has been optimized to reduce time-to-market by reducing the complexity of the radio software and minimizing the amount of factory calibration with Freescale's polar architecture. This integrated subsystem consists of the MMM6000 transceiver and the MMM6027 power amplifier front end module. Combined, these two components provide an antenna-to-bits radio in a board space of less than 250 mm2 -- approximately the area of a postage stamp.
"We have brought to market the most advanced and optimized EDGE RF subsystem using Freescale's new power efficient polar architecture," Kent Heath, director of cellular operations, Radio Products Division, said." This solution is engineered to allow the highest capability for the smallest space and longest talk time at a great savings."
The combined products -- MMM6000 and MMM6027 -- constitute the first DigRF compliant radio allowing for maximum flexibility in pairing the RF subsystem with any semiconductor company's baseband. DigRF is a global standard of an efficient physical interconnection between baseband and RF integrated circuits for digital cellular terminals. Freescale is currently engaged with key customers in developing handsets using the MMM6000 and the MMM6027.
The MMM6000 polar EDGE transceiver provides full DigRF to analog RF functionality in a 9 mm by 11 mm package, eliminating the separate analog baseband required by many other chipsets. The transmitter removes costly components, such as filters, which in turn helps to reduce the costs for manufacturers and ultimately consumers. Freescale's handset and radio design experience have made the programming and phasing simpler for this device compared to previous generations of GSM-only products.
Designed to support the MMM6000 transceiver, the MMM6027 is a member of Freescale's fourth generation of front end modules. Due to its high level of integration, the necessary components are in this power amplifier front end module in a 8 mm by 8 mm package.
Freescale's polar modulation architecture brings advantages over alternative full polar architectures for EDGE mode operation. Through the combination of saturated mode operation for GSM and linear operation for EDGE, the system delivers full power EDGE efficiency. This different polar architecture design provides low current consumption and produces a highly manufactured radio. The architecture simplifies the programming and calibration of the RF subsystem allowing manufacturers to produce more phones per hour.
The MMM6000 and MMM6027 are incorporated into Freescale's Innovative Convergence i.275 platform or can be designed in as a stand alone RF subsystem with any baseband. Samples are available now with production targeted for 2Q 2005.
Source: Freescale Semiconductor