Quorum Systems Introduces Ultra-Low-Power Quad-Band CMOS Transceiver
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Device Extends Talk-Time by 20 Percent and More than Doubles EDGE Range
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 15 / -- Quorum Systems, Inc., today introduced the QS1000, a single-chip CMOS quad-band radio frequency (RF) transceiver offering GSM/GPRS and EDGE capability. Featuring an Ultra-Low-Power (ULP) down-converter, the QS1000 delivers best-in-class receive current of 53mA at -110dBm sensitivity. This significantly extends the battery life, increasing talk-time by more than 10 percent in GSM mode and 20 percent in EDGE mode when compared with current solutions.
In addition to its industry-leading GSM performance, the QS1000, manufactured in low-cost CMOS, also has excellent sensitivity in EDGE mode resulting in an increased range of more than double the range demonstrated by current solutions.
"With the QS1000 we offer the lowest power consumption, smallest footprint and best EDGE performance to handset manufacturers and their end-users," said Bernard Xavier, president and CEO of Quorum Systems. "The Sereno QS1000 has been designed specifically to meet the requirements for high volume manufacturing. We have made extensive use of on-chip calibration resulting in the best possible performance and production margin."
The QS1000 is available in a 6mm X 6mm 40L QFN package. The level of integration is such that when the QS1000 is combined with an off-the-shelf EDGE PA, standard RF filters and reference crystal, the complete RF front-end design for a quad-band GSM handset fits into a footprint of 255mm squared. The linear transmit architecture employed does not require any additional RF filters or off-chip baluns. The linear architecture also ensures easy manufacturability with no EDGE-specific calibrations required and reduced production calibration times.
At the heart of the QS1000 is Quorum Systems' unique multi-mode radio technology, which enables high performance radio transceivers for multiple standards to be manufactured in a standard CMOS process. The introduction of the QS1000 comes as a direct result of the performance derived from the Sereno QS2000. The Sereno QS2000 is a combination of two radically different radio technologies, cellular (GSM/GPRS/Full EDGE) and WLAN (802.11b/g), on a single- chip to offer simultaneous, interference-free Wi-Fi/GSM operation.
The single-chip Sereno QS1000, manufactured in 0.18 micron standard CMOS, is available today for sampling. The chip is scheduled to be in full-volume production in December 2005.
QS1000 Features:
- 2.7V to 3.3V Single Supply
- Direct Conversion Receiver
- Linear Transmitter
- Zero and Near Zero (100 KHz) receive architectures supported
- Fully Integrated Fast Settling Frequency Synthesizers
- Simple 3-wire programming
- Temperature Range: -40 to +85 degrees Celsius
About Quorum Systems, Inc.
Quorum Systems is a fabless semiconductor company that develops highly integrated multi-mode radio frequency (RF) transceivers. Based in San Diego, California, USA, Quorum has focused on developing key intellectual property that enables multi-band, multi-mode radios to be low cost, low power and high performance. For more information about the company and its products please visit quorumsystems.com.
CONTACT: Steve Brown, Vice President, Product Management of Quorum Systems, Inc., +1-858-546-0895, or steve.brown@quorumsystems.com
