Skyworks' Front-End Module Selected for Broadcom's Next-Generation Wi-Fi Solutions
More specifically, draft-802.11n today enables real-world throughputs up to 200 megabits per second (Mbps) -- more than five times the performance of state-of-the-art 802.11g technology -- and is backward compatible with earlier standards. Designed to enable high definition (HD) video, voice and music transfer between devices, 802.11n technology will extend beyond traditional PCs, notebooks and network gear into consumer electronics, handhelds, printers, digital cameras, digital video recorders, cable set-top boxes, game consoles and audio equipment.
Skyworks' FEM for 802.11n applications, or "nFEM", is the industry's most integrated device of its type. With a footprint of just 10 x 14 millimeters (mm) and a height profile of less than 1 mm, Skyworks' nFEM provides Broadcom's customers with an extremely small solution capable of simultaneously powering multiple modes of WLAN operation, including voice, data and streaming video.
"To continue pushing the Wi-Fi envelope, Broadcom partners with industry leading suppliers who can help us meet customers' aggressive roadmaps and stringent performance demands," said Bill Bunch, director of product marketing for wireless LAN at Broadcom. "Skyworks' RF integration expertise and high-volume production capabilities make the nFEM a valuable complement to our high-performance Intensi-fi reference designs, while their modular approach provides the design flexibility that draft-N manufacturers are seeking."
"Skyworks is excited to be supporting Broadcom's aggressive migration to 802.11n -- a technology that will enable the next broadband revolution focused on home and wireless data networking," said Stan Swearingen, vice president and general manager for Linear Products at Skyworks. "The 802.11n technology will deliver on the promise of user-friendly wireless broadband for DVRs, next-generation game consoles, video-on-demand, and HDTV, creating a more sophisticated home entertainment environment. Given Skyworks' technology breadth and depth, we are uniquely positioned to help Broadcom and others capitalize on this emerging wireless market trend."
Skyworks' highly integrated solution is packaged in a single multi-chip module (MCM), uniquely combining RF transmission and receiver functionality, and utilizing the company's best-in-class capabilities in RF design and internal fabrication process technologies.
The "n" specification is based on MIMO technology, which uses multiple spatial streams and several antennas at both the source (transmitter) and the destination (receiver) to minimize errors and increase data speed. The standard also incorporates advanced coding schemes for range enhancement and link reliability.
About the SKY65225
The SKY65225 two-antenna nFEM combines two complete dual-band transmit/receive (T/R) chains in one ultra-compact radio frequency (RF) FEM optimized for 2 x 2 MIMO operation, in compliance with the 802.11n draft specification. It includes two 5 gigahertz (GHz) PAs and two 2 GHz PAs, each with integrated input filtering for 3-4 GHz rejection, and two temperature-compensated, directional power detectors with 20 decibel (dB) dynamic range. Also included are low loss, high rejection gallium arsenide (GaAs) diplexers and switches which provide high linearity in all transmit paths and low loss in all receive paths.
The SKY65225 nFEM achieves outstanding gain matching between both 2 and 5 GHz transmit paths, which is a critical requirement for MIMO operation. This is accomplished through mirrored layout symmetry. It is packaged in a lead (Pb)-free, restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances (RoHS)-compliant single laminate-based package, which measures only 10 x 14 x 1.0 mm. This small footprint allows more functionality in less printed circuit board (PCB) space.
Pricing
The SKY65225 is priced at $5.50 each in quantities of 10,000. For more information, please contact sales@skyworksinc.com.
About Skyworks
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. is an industry leader in radio solutions and precision analog semiconductors servicing a diversified set of mobile communications applications. The company's power amplifiers, front-end modules and direct conversion transceivers are at the heart of many of today's leading-edge multimedia handsets, cellular base stations and wireless networking platforms. Skyworks also offers a portfolio of highly innovative linear products, supporting a diverse set of automotive, broadband, industrial and medical customers.
Headquartered in Woburn, Mass., Skyworks is worldwide with engineering, manufacturing, sales and service facilities throughout Asia, Europe and North America. For more information please visit www.skyworksinc.com.
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CONTACT: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
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SOURCE: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.