Process upgrades boost RF device performance

This week Peregrine Semiconductor unveiled the next generation of its world-class UltraCMOS process technology at the European Microwave Conference in Paris.

This week Peregrine Semiconductor unveiled the next generation of its world-class UltraCMOS process technology at the European Microwave Conference in Paris, France.

Peregrine's revolutionary Harp technology enhancements enable dramatic improvements in harmonic results, linearity and overall RF performance - specifications required by the 3GPP standards body for GSM/WCDMA applications, and today unmatched in the industry.

In particular, long-awaited triumphs in intermodulation distortion (IMD) are now available to multiband front-end module and handset manufacturers alike.

The first devices to be released on the Harp-enhanced UltraCMOS process are the PE42672 SP7T and the PE42660 SP6T RF switches for quad-band GSM and GSM/WCDMA handset applications.

These platforms currently enjoy more than 70% of the world handset market share.

Peregrine's newest switches provide for an ever-increasing number of RF paths to connect to the antenna through a single CMOS device.

The PE42672 is the world's first monolithic SP7T switch with on-board CMOS decoder.

This highly integrated solution simplifies and lowers the cost of RF designs by reducing overall part count by as many as six devices and 13 wire bonds.

Both devices shatter RF performance levels of competitive solutions by offering exceptional linearity; IP3 better than +70dBm; world-class 1.5kV ESD tolerance; 2.75V operating voltage and ultralow power consumption.

The PE42660 switch is drop-in compatible with the PE4263 GSM handset switch released last fall, and is now shipping in volume to the world's leading ASM manufacturers for 2005 designs.

"The Harp technology invention is the most significant event in our company's 10-year history", stated Jim Cable, CEO and President of Peregrine.

"It enables unrestrained roadmaps for future mobile wireless designs and vaults the UltraCMOS process to a leading RF technology".

"The first products resulting from this invention are the world's most linear, high-power RF switches, and are ideal for 3G applications".

"Our customer roster now includes the largest names in the mobile wireless industry; market leaders that are partnering with Peregrine to ensure the transition to UltraCMOS is seamless", he added.

The PE42672 and PE42660 also deliver the following performance (respectively): TX-RX isolation of 44 and 48dB at 900MHz and 38 and 40dB at 1900MHz; P1dB compression point of +41dBm; and 0.5dB of insertion loss at 900MHz.

On-chip CMOS decode logic facilitates both 1.8 and 2.75V three-pin CMOS control inputs, while no blocking capacitors and on-chip SAW filter overvoltage protection devices ensure ease of integration.

The PE42672 is priced at $0.70 each (25,000-off) and the PE42660 is priced at $0.60 each (10,000-off).

Orders are being taken for the devices which are available in die form and sampling to select customers directly from Peregrine.

Back to top