First Product - RF7168 - Is Achieving Significant Design Activity At Key Accounts

GREENSBORO, N.C., Feb. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- RF Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: RFMD), a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance semiconductor components, today introduced the RF716x family of dual-band (EGSM900/DCS1800 or GSM850/PCS1900) GSM/GPRS transmit modules. The RF716x product family is designed to meet the front end requirements of emerging markets handsets, including reduced solution size, improved efficiency and robust ESD protection, while satisfying the need for quality, reliability and reduced handset bill-of-material (BOM) costs.

Each GSM/GPRS transmit module (TxM) in the RF716x product family is class 12-compliant and features two symmetrical (interchangeable) receive (Rx) ports for ease of routing during implementation. The RF716x product family includes functionally identical TxMs with "mirrored" footprints, maximizing layout design flexibility and easing implementation across handset platforms. Each RF716x TxM leverages RFMD's industry leadership in GaAs pHEMT and patented PowerStar(R) integrated power control technology while integrating transmit filtering for best-in-class harmonic performance.

Paul Augustine, general manager of RFMD's Components Solutions Business Unit, said, "The RF716x family of high performance transmit modules helps manufacturers of emerging market handsets lower their bill of material (BOM) costs, reduce size and accelerate product time-to-market without sacrificing the quality and reliability they have come to expect from RFMD(R). Of note, the RF7168 is achieving very favorable design activity among both handset manufacturers and platform providers in Korea, Taiwan and China."

All TxMs in the RF716x family include an electrostatic discharge (ESD) filter to provide antenna port ESD protection at a rating of 8kV contact discharge (CD) -- twice the integrated protection offered by competing products. The superior ESD protection is integrated to help handset manufacturers prevent ESD failures during handset production while minimizing signal loss -- providing maximum efficiency at rated output power (Pout) and consistent reliability.

Technical features of the RF716x family include:

• Compact, low profile packages: 6.63 x 5.24 x 1.00 mm
• Mirrored footprints:
  • GSM900 / DCS1800 (RF7166 / RF7168 mirror)
  • GSM850 / PCS1900 (RF7167 / RF7169 mirror)
• Best-in-class ESD protection; 8 kV CD at the antenna port and 1kV at all other pins

• Symmetrical (interchangeable) Rx ports with low insertion loss
• Enhanced VSWR performance