RF Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq GS:
RFMD), a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance radio frequency components and compound
semiconductor technologies, today introduced the RF7178-- the cellular industry's first
front end module to integrate a quad-band, class 12-compliant GSM/GPRS power amplifier, a pHEMT antenna switch and receive SAW filters.
Also The RF7178 offers full quad-band transmit performance (GSM850/EGSM900/DCS1800/ PCS1900) and four dedicated receive ports in a compact single-placement package. Both the transmit and receive paths are performance optimized to deliver a low-loss, high efficiency front end solution without requiring additional matching components.
Also today, RFMD introduced the RF7177, a dual-band (EGSM900/DCS1800) front end module that is pin-to-pin compatible with the RF7178 and features a similar feature set integrating the pHEMT antenna switch and SAW filters. When combined, RFMD's RF7178 and RF7177 provide a scalable platform solution for handset manufacturers seeking advanced levels of integration, streamlined inventory management and minimal deployment of valuable RF design resources.
Compared to traditional discrete implementations, the RF7178 and RF7177 each eliminate approximately ten component placements, thereby reducing assembly costs, improving line yields and lowering the costs associated with purchasing and managing inventory. Additionally, by allowing the use of common printed circuit boards (PCBs) across handset models, the RF7178 and RF7177 reduce handset manufacturers' inventory costs and enable configurable end-products based upon regional and/or customer-specific requirements.
RFMD offers the mobile device industry's broadest and most innovative portfolio of radio frequency components, including cellular power amplifier modules, cellular transmit modules, cellular switch and filter modules, and front ends for Wi-Fi, WiMAX and GPS applications.
Availability
The RF7178 is production released and samples are currently available. The RF7177 is scheduled for production release in the June 2010 quarter. For more information, please contact your local RFMD sales representative or visit www.rfmd.com/purchase.
