RF modules to cash in on ultra-low-cost handsets

Highly integrated modules offer a reduced bill of materials, smaller size, longer battery life and proven interoperability with leading single-chip silicon radios.

TriQuint Semiconductor has developed a new generation of highly integrated modules for ultra-low-cost GSM and CDMA handsets in emerging markets.

The range includes a dual-band GSM Tx module for use in the Americas, the TQM6M4028U, and a high-efficiency PA-duplexer module for CDMA cellular-band applications, the TQM613027.

Using its industry-leading in-house technology portfolio, TriQuint's highly integrated modules offer customers a reduced bill of materials, smaller size, longer battery life and proven interoperability with leading single-chip silicon radios.

The new modules will be on show at the upcoming GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

Emerging markets represent an opportunity for significant growth.

According to Strategy Analytics, at the end of 2007, there were 3.18 billion mobile subscribers in the world.

By 2010, there will be 4.1 billion.

The next billion mobile subscribers will be drawn from the world's emerging markets.

Says Tim Dunn, Vice President for Handsets at TriQuint: "Early-on, TriQuint recognised the many benefits of using front-end modules instead of a myriad of discrete RF components".

"Our broad technology portfolio enables us to serve the handset market as it grows in multiple directions, from high-end smart phones to ultra-low-cost handsets for emerging markets".

"No other vendor has the breadth of in-house technology and engineering expertise to realise cost efficiencies while achieving such compact, high-performance designs".

The TQM6M4028U, a member of the Quantum Tx module family, is tested and prequalified for use with three leading single-chip baseband/transceiver manufacturers.

At 6 x 6mm, the TQM6M4028U achieves the world's smallest form factor and addresses the GSM850 and PCS1900 bands.

It is shipping in volume for phones in the Americas market and is modelled after the successful TQM6M4028E, which supports the GSM900 and DCS1800 bands and is currently used in ultra-low-cost handsets in Europe and Asia.

TriQuint has seen tremendous growth in the ultra-low-cost GSM handset market with shipments of its dual-band Tx modules more than tripling from 2006 to 2007.

The TQM613027 is the third member of the 7 x 4mm Tritium II PA-duplexer module family and builds on the success of its predecessor, the TQM613025.

The TQM613025 was the first high-efficiency PA-duplexer module used in low-cost CDMA cellular-band handsets for emerging markets and offers improved RF performance and minimises battery consumption; a critical need in countries where access to power outlets is limited.

The TQM613027 is a drop-in replacement which has been optimised for manufacturing cost efficiencies.

Both the TQM613027 and the TQM6M4028U are now shipping in volume.

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