Freescale Simplifies RF Power Application Development

First integrated RF power development system reduces complexity of RF application creation with portable, multi-functional instrumentation capabilities

(International Microwave Symposium) – Freescale Semiconductor, the leading provider of RF power technology, recently introduced the RF Power Tool system, which is designed to simplify the development of RF power applications and help customers create new and differentiated RF power solutions. The only comprehensively integrated RF power application development system on the market, Freescale’s RF Power Tool system minimizes the size, cost and complexity of RF lab equipment needed for application development by integrating multiple RF bench tool capabilities into a single box, reducing the need for a full bench of RF evaluation equipment.

Including critical components needed to design innovative RF power applications into a modular portable unit, and fully compatible with a range of Freescale RF power evaluation boards and reference designs, the new Freescale RF Power Tool system simplifies the design process, reduces development costs and speeds time-to-market. The system runs directly from a PC or front panel, and can be initiated in only minutes at a cost significantly lower than a traditional RF bench setup.  

“Freescale’s new RF Power Tool system offers a unique approach, integrating a variety of evaluation tools typically used in an RF bench, making it significantly easier and faster for both veteran and less experienced designers to develop advanced RF applications,” said Paul Hart, senior vice president and general manager of Freescale’s RF business. “This industry-first offering underscores Freescale’s deep understanding of what our customers need to differentiate and win in competitive, fast-moving markets.”

The Freescale RF Power Tool system allows users to define RF conditions for their applications and provides easy system validation and real-time performance monitoring and data logging to allow customers to evaluate application tradeoffs. This helps developers reduce the time needed to design, develop, evaluate and update their RF power applications such as heating, mobile radio, ISM and broadcast products.

The tool offers temperature sensing, voltage sensing and power detection. An integrated Kinetis microcontroller capitalizes on Freescale’s leadership in control solutions, while compatibility with Freescale RF evaluation boards from 5W to 1.25 kW and from 10 MHz to 2.5 GHz allows customers to benefit from Freescale’s long history of RF power expertise.

Additional Features

• RF generator
  • 1 MHz to 2.5 GHz
  • 1 Hz steps
  • Level adjustable in 0.5 dB steps
  • Pulse modulation
  • 0.1% to 99.9% duty cycle
  • 1 us resolution
• RF power measurement
  • 1 mW to 2 kW range
  • Forward power
  • Reflected power
• Bias voltage supply
  • 4 channels
  • 0-5 V, 10 mV steps
• DC measurements
  • Voltage
  • Current
• All connected to a PC with a unified interface

Availability and Pricing
The Freescale RF Power Tool system is planned for availability in August 2014 from Freescale Buy Direct for a price of $5,000 (USD) per development system.

About Freescale
Freescale Semiconductor is a global leader in embedded processing solutions, providing industry-leading products that are advancing the automotive, consumer, industrial and networking markets. From microprocessors and microcontrollers, to sensors, analog integrated circuits and connectivity, our technologies are the foundation for the innovations that make our world greener, safer, healthier and more connected. Some of our key applications and end-markets include automotive safety, hybrid and all-electric vehicles, next-generation wireless infrastructure, smart energy management, portable medical devices, consumer appliances and smart mobile devices. The company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing and sales operations around the world. For more information, visit www.freescale.com.