MTT-S 2007: Peregrine Launches UltraCMOS Multiple Switch RFIC
Next-generation handsets now being developed incorporate tri-band WCDMA and quad-band EDGE platforms, an architecture which demands seven radios in a single handset. This has complicated the RF front-end by more than tripling the high power signal paths engineered in today's quad-band EDGE handsets. Because switching signals to and from a duplexer and filter banks are utilized in these designs, the burden to the switching function becomes high. The new applications require: low insertion loss due to the signal going through two switch paths; high linearity due to its WCDMA platform; an effective switch solution for 4 independent, simultaneous signal paths and up to 14 control states; and very high isolation of >+55 dB for critical paths. Peregrine's UltraCMOS technology enabled the PE42110 to meet these specifications.
The UltraCMOS-based PE42110 incorporates Peregrine's HaRP technology enhancements to deliver harmonic results, linearity and overall RF performance: high linearity of +71 dBm IP3 or -116 dBm IMD3; low insertion loss of 0.35 dB (typ); high isolation >70 dB at critical paths; and monolithic integration of key elements including 3 control lines operating 12 independent paths.
"The UltraCMOS PE42110 demonstrates the ability of UltraCMOS to achieve RF front-end architectures and efficiencies that cannot be accomplished with any other technology," commented Rodd Novak, vice-president of marketing and business development. "Peregrine has outdistanced itself from the competition and will continue to do so as RF front-ends demand higher levels of integration coupled with leading edge RF performance," he added.
Peregrine's 50-Ohm PE42110 2.75 V RF switch operates from 100 – 3000 MHz and provides many additional features, including 1500 V HBM ESD tolerance at all ports; on-board CMOS logic which facilitates 1.8 V or 2.75 V control; no blocking capacitors; and fast switch settling time.
SOURCE: Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation