News

16 February 2007

 

RFMD launches modules for improved TRP performance

* Transmit module with PowerStar II power control technology for EDGE

RF Micro Devices Inc of Greensboro, NC, USA launched its RF3203 GSM/GPRS/EDGE transmit module (available in second-quarter 2007) at the 2007 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona, Spain

The module builds upon the firm’s linear EDGE power amplifiers by integrating switch functionality and adding new PowerStar II power control technology to improve system efficiency at rated power via improvements in total radiated power (TRP) and specific absorption rate (SAR) performance. Existing PowerStar power amplifiers feature the industry's best-selling implementation of power control technology, RFMD claims.

The improved TRP performance is achieved through reductions in sensitivity to environmental conditions such as battery, temperature and antenna mismatch. The RF3203 reduces the output power variation in a 3:1 antenna mismatch to +/-1dB and reduces the current variation by 50%. RFMD says that, to date, it has shipped about 20 million power amplifiers that reduce variation in output power into mismatched antennas.

The RF3203 provides the first linear EDGE transmit module that fully supports emerging TRP requirements, claims Eric Creviston, corporate VP of RFMD's Cellular Products Group. It also reduces implementation costs and helps deliver improved reliability and greater performance, he adds.

* PA module with PowerStar for GSM/GPRS

RFMD also launched the RF3196 power amplifier module for GSM/GPRS handsets, which includes power flattening technology, V(BAT) tracking and patented PowerStar technology to provide a complete power control system. The enhanced power control capabilities provide improved TRP and SAR performance, reducing current variation by 50% into non-ideal (3:1) antenna mismatch loads.

The RF3196 is pin-for-pin compatible with RFMD’s high-volume RF3166 PowerStar power amplifier module, providing an easy migration path to improved TRP and SAR performance in handsets.

Konrad Alvarino, general manager of RFMD's Components Business Unit, claims that the RF3196 provides benefits in current consumption in real-world usage environments, resulting in improved battery life and talk-time as well as reduced thermal dissipation.

Visit: http://www.rfmd.com