GSM/GPRS Transmit Module facilitates handset design.
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Press Release Summary:
Designed as final portion of transmit sections in GSM900/DCS1800 handsets, dual-band RF4180 reduces handset front end complexity while addressing performance requirements. Pb-free and RoHS-compliant solution minimizes requirement for PA-to-antenna matching and combines PowerStar® power control technology, power flattening technology, and integrated Vbatt tracking. It supplies 2 symmetrical receive ports, 50 ohm matched input and output ports, and GSM/GPRS Class 12 compliance.
Original Press Release:
RFMD® Introduces PowerStar® Dual-Band GSM/GPRS Transmit Module
RF4180 Reduces Complexity And Lowers Cost Of Implementation Of Emerging Market Handsets
BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 12 -- RF Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq GS: RFMD), a global leader in the design and manufacture of high- performance radio systems and solutions, today announced the introduction of the RF4180 PowerStar(R) dual-band GSM/GPRS transmit module. RFMD's RF4180 is designed to reduce front end complexity and address the price and performance requirements of today's emerging market handsets.
The RF4180 PowerStar transmit module leverages RFMD's state-of-the-art power control capabilities to deliver reduced solution size, simplified transmitter design, best-in-class harmonics and ease of implementation. The RF4180 is a dual-band transmit module featuring two symmetrical receive ports, 50-ohm matched input and output ports and GSM/GPRS Class 12 compliance. The transmit module, which is designed for use as the final portion of transmit sections in GSM900/DCS1800 handsets, minimizes the requirement for PA-to- antenna matching. When mated with leading cellular baseband system-on-chip (SoC) solutions, the RF4180 delivers a highly integrated radio solution capable of accelerating time to market cost-effectively.
The RF4180 PowerStar transmit module combines RFMD's patented PowerStar integrated power control technology enhanced with the addition of power flattening technology and integrated Vbatt tracking to provide a complete power control system. RFMD's automatic Vbatt tracking circuit monitors battery voltage and prevents the power control loop from reaching saturation, thereby preserving handset switching spectrum at low battery voltages. RFMD's power flattening circuitry significantly reduces current and power variation into non-ideal loads (also known as "antenna mismatch"), resulting in shorter handset development time and more robust handset performance. The RF4180 includes an electrostatic discharge (ESD) filter to provide ESD protection at the antenna port and is designed to minimize loss, providing maximum efficiency at rated output power (Pout).
Paul Augustine, general manager of RFMD's Components Solutions Business Unit, said, "The RF4180 provides handset manufacturers high efficiency and improved performance in a cost-competitive, reduced size transmit module architecture. This results in improved battery life and talk time as well as reduced thermal dissipation, all of which are key metrics in the development of emerging market handsets. RFMD will continue to focus on solving our customers' complex RF challenges, as we introduce additional innovative architectures and design techniques that lower costs, ease implementation, reduce size and accelerate time-to-market."
RFMD is the market leader in GSM/GPRS front ends and leads the industry in shipments of cellular transmit modules.
The RF4180 is Pb-free and complies fully with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS). The RF4180 is currently available for $1.12 in quantities of one million pieces.
RFMD will showcase its industry-leading portfolio of cellular front end products at the 2008 GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, February 11-14, 2008, in Hall 8, Stand 8B79.
About RFMD: RF Micro Devices (Nasdaq GS: RFMD) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance radio frequency systems and solutions. RFMD's cellular front ends, cellular transceivers, RF components and system-on-chip (SoC) solutions enable worldwide mobility, provide enhanced connectivity and support advanced functionality in the cellular handset, cellular base station, wireless local area network (WLAN), CATV networking, aerospace, defense, and global positioning systems (GPS) markets. Recognized for its diverse portfolio of state-of-the-art semiconductor technologies and vast RF systems expertise, RFMD is a preferred supplier to the world's leading mobile device and RF equipment manufacturers.
Headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., RFMD is an ISO 9001- and ISO 14001- certified manufacturer with worldwide engineering, design, sales and service facilities. RFMD is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol RFMD. For more information, please visit RFMD's website at www.rfmd.com.
RF MICRO DEVICES(R), RFMD(R), PowerStar(R) and POLARIS(R) TOTAL RADIO(TM) are trademarks of RFMD, LLC. All other trade names, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Dean Priddy, CFO, +1-336-678-7975, of RFMD
