Skyworks Introduces the Industry's Smallest GSM/GPRS Power Amplifier Module with Integrated Power Control
WOBURN, Mass., Jun 2, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq:SWKS), the industry's leading wireless semiconductor company focused on radio frequency (RF) and complete cellular system solutions for mobile communications applications, today expanded its family of GSM/GPRS integrated power control (iPAC) power amplifier (PA) modules, with the addition of the industry's smallest 6mm x 8mm device.
Power amplifiers are a critical component in wireless handsets, determining the length of talk time and battery life available to support emerging data services, such as digital photography, Internet browsing, online shopping, video messaging and other interactive high-bandwidth applications.
"Building on the success of our first generation iPAC PA modules, we're pleased to take the integration level even further to simplify the cellular phone's architecture while saving critical board space," said Klaus Buehring, Skyworks' vice president of Power Amplifier Products. "At the same time, by integrating the power control function into the module, our customers are able to save as much as $1 per handset."
Technical Details
Skyworks' SKY77324 is the industry's smallest PA module with integrated power control based on a current sensing method, proven by industry leaders to be the most power efficient method of controlling cellular phone transmission signals. By incorporating the power control function into the module, the SKY77324 eliminates the need for directional couplers, detector diodes, power control ASICs and other power control circuitry.
This method reduces costs, simplifies phone design and manufacturing, and enables the module to be driven directly from the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) output of the handset baseband IC.
The SKY77324 consists of a GSM850/900 and DCS1800/PCS1900 PA circuit, and 50-ohm fully matched input/output ports to reduce the number of external components required for a quad-band design. The module also supports Class 12 GPRS multi-slot operation.
Packaged in a low profile, compact 6mm x 8mm module, the SKY77324 provides handset manufacturers with a single-component solution for GSM phones, regardless of geographic region or frequency band. Skyworks' devices are based on a 50 GHz gallium arsenide (GaAs) heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) process technology and support GSM handset operation in more than 180 countries.
In addition, Skyworks' SKY77324 module can be combined with the company's CX74063 or CX74017 direct conversion transceiver to create a fully integrated RF system. The module will also serve as a key component in the company's family of complete front-end modules.
Pricing and Availability
Skyworks' SKY77324 PA module is sampling now, with volume production scheduled in the fourth calendar quarter. Modules are priced at $3 in quantities of 10,000.
About Skyworks
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. is the industry's leading wireless semiconductor company focused on RF and complete cellular system solutions for mobile communications applications. The company began operations in June 2002, following the completion of the merger between Alpha Industries, Inc. and Conexant Systems, Inc.'s wireless communications business. Skyworks is focused on providing front-end modules, RF subsystems and cellular systems to wireless handset and infrastructure customers worldwide.
Skyworks is headquartered in Woburn, Mass., with executive offices in Irvine, Calif. The company has design, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales and service facilities throughout North America, Europe, Japan and Asia Pacific. For more information please visit www.skyworksinc.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release includes "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include information relating to future results of Skyworks (including certain projections and business trends). Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "believes," "plans," "may," "will," "continue," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. All such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those projected, and may affect our future operating results, financial position and cash flows.
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: global economic and market conditions, such as the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and the markets addressed by the company's and its customers' products; demand for and market acceptance of new and existing products; the ability to develop, manufacture and market innovative products in a rapidly changing technological environment; the ability to compete with products and prices in an intensely competitive industry; product obsolescence; losses or curtailments of purchases from key customers or the timing of customer inventory adjustments; the timing of new product introductions; the availability and extent of utilization of raw materials, critical manufacturing equipment and manufacturing capacity; pricing pressures and other competitive factors; changes in product mix; fluctuations in manufacturing yields; the ability to continue to grow and maintain an intellectual property portfolio and obtain needed licenses from third parties; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; labor relations of the company, its customers and suppliers; economic, social and political conditions in the countries in which Skyworks, its customers or its suppliers operate, including security risks, possible disruptions in transportation networks and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and the uncertainties of litigation, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Note to Editors: iPAC, Skyworks and Skyworks Solutions are trademarks or registered trademarks of Skyworks Solutions, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States. and in other countries. All other brands and names listed are trademarks of their respective companies.
SOURCE: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
CONTACT:
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
Lisa Briggs, (Media), 949/231-4553
lisa.briggs@skyworksinc.com
or
Thomas Schiller, (Investors), 949/231-4700