Integrated RF Synthesizers work with radio transceivers.
Press Release Summary:
Single-chip devices, STW81101 and STW81102, feature embedded VCOs, automatic center-frequency calibration, and multiple output options that allow operation in multiple bands over 750 MHz to 4.65 GHz range. Dual digital interface, with I²C protocol for connecting multiple devices, compliments Serial to Parallel Interface bus. Suppression of random frequency fluctuations in signal minimizes bit-error rates in voice and data transmission.
Original Press Release:
New Integrated RF Synthesizers from STMicroelectronics Boast the Best Phase Noise and Unique Microwave Capabilities
Save at no cost in performance with ST's single-chip solutions for radio transceivers
Geneva, May 15, 2006 - A leading supplier of advanced products to the wireless industry, STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM) has today unveiled its new integrated RF synthesizers with embedded voltage-controlled oscillators, featuring the lowest integrated phase noise and the largest band coverage in the market. ST's synthesizers are the only single-chip devices with available output frequency above 3.0 GHz. The introduction of the STW81101 and STW81102 meets the increasing demand of equipment manufacturers for space and cost-efficient solutions in radio applications from cellular base stations to satellite communications and CATV equipment.
Frequency synthesizers form the basis of most radio designs and their performance largely affects the operation of the overall system. The leading requirements for signal-generating components in today's communications equipment include minimized phase noise and broadband frequency coverage.
Targeted at a wide range of radio-transceiver applications from cellular network infrastructure to point-to-point radio, cable TV and satellite systems, ST's STW81101 and STW81102 exhibit the industry's best integrated phase-noise performance for single-chip RF Integer'N synthesizers. The measured values are 0.2° RMS (Root Mean Square) at 1 GHz, 0.5° RMS at 2 GHz, and 1.3° RMS at 4 GHz with a frequency step of 200 kHz. Outstanding suppression of random frequency fluctuations in a signal provides more design margin and the low phase noise also satisfies the stringent requirements of system manufacturers for minimized bit-error rates in voice and data transmission.
ST's new RF synthesizers provide multi-band capabilities and unparalleled frequency coverage. The combination of embedded VCOs (voltage-controlled oscillators) with automatic center-frequency calibration and multiple output options allows the devices to operate in multiple bands, over an extremely wide spectrum from 750 MHz up to 4.65 GHz. Instead of using a dedicated device for each frequency range, equipment suppliers can now fit any multi-band radio application, such as a quad-band base station transceiver, with a single ST synthesizer. Moreover, the STW81101 and STW81102 are currently the only single-chip synthesizers in the market for applications operating in 3 GHz and 4 GHz bands, such as WiFi and WiMAX base stations or Fixed Wireless Radio Links.
Versatility of the STW8110x product family is further enhanced by the dual digital interface, with the I²C protocol for connecting multiple devices, complemented with the fast, Serial to Parallel Interface (SPI) bus.
Manufactured in the Company's proprietary world-class BiCMOS SiGe technology, ST's single-chip RF synthesizers surpass competing solutions in performance and reliability, while reducing the bill-of-materials and footprint by up to 60% compared with a traditional discrete approach.
"ST raises the performance bar for integrated RF devices, addressing the industry's demand for more integrated and flexible solutions," said Guillaume Pertinant, RF Product Marketing Manager of ST's Wireless Infrastructure Division. "At the same time, we are first to the market with a single-chip synthesizer for the booming segment of emerging microwave applications."
Pin-to-pin compatible with its predecessor (STW81100), the STW81101 and STW81102 synthesizers are supplied in QFN-28 lead-free packages. The evaluation kits include an evaluation board, the STWPLLSim software for PLL filter design and noise simulation, the programming GUI (Graphical User Interface), and the guidelines for application board design.
The new STWPLLSim is a powerful and user-friendly interactive tool enabling very fast and accurate PLL design and optimization of the STW8110x devices, starting from high-level parameters such as the loop bandwidth and the phase margin. The accuracy of the noise modeling ensures successful first-loop-filter design in a course of minutes, compared to the lengthy design cycles required by traditional hand optimization.
Evaluation kits and production devices will be available in May 2006. The STW81101 and STW81102 will be sold at a price of $3 in volume.
A leading supplier of advanced products to the wireless industry, STMicroelectronics offers a full spectrum of digital and RF devices for wireless infrastructure applications, covering most functions in cellular base stations and wireless broadband systems. From dedicated solutions (ASIC) to optimized standard products (ASSP), ST's wireless infrastructure portfolio, defined in co-operation with leading telco manufacturers, ensures the highest level of integration and flexibility.
This press release is also available at
st.com/stonline/stappl/press/news/year2006/p1691.htm
.......with links to further information on the STW81101 and STW81102
About ST's Home, Personal, Communication Group (HPC) STMicroelectronics is a world-leading supplier of comprehensive solutions for the converging segments of home entertainment, communication, and connectivity. ST's HPC product offering encompasses a whole range of applications in the digital consumer market, including set-top box, DVD, TV, and audio; a wide array of solutions for personal multimedia, from application processors to energy management, mobile imaging, and wireless connectivity; and a full spectrum of display ICs and devices for wireless and wireline network infrastructures.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2005, the Company's net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
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Carol A. Brown
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