RF Micro Devices Inc. is engaged with two handset manufacturers and two baseband manufacturers in the development of
4G Long Term Evolution (
LTE), mobile broadband handsets. The company is supplying the RF6276 and the RF3280 power amplifiers (PAs) designed to meet or exceed the data-centric performance requirements of the 4G LTE mobile broadband standard.
The RF6276 linear LTE power amplifier is tuned for operation in LTE bands 12 (698-716MHz) and 13 (777- 792MHz) and delivers a blend of high-power efficiency and lower current consumption as output power levels decrease. The RF6276 features two digital power modes that adjust bias current and optimize the PA for the desired range of output power, while maintaining the stringent linearity requirements of LTE modulation.
The RF3280 linear LTE PA is tuned for operation in LTE band 7 (2500- 2570MHz) and is optimized for use in linear multimode W-CDMA/LTE mobile devices. The RF3280 leverages RFMD's PA technology, which improves end-product immunity to VSWR (antenna mismatch) and eases end-product implementation. The RF3280 is designed for RF front end architectures utilizing analog bias control in combination with a mated DC/DC converter. This architecture enables dynamic PA loadline adjustments which optimize performance whether the handset is operating in W-CDMA or LTE. The combination of analog bias control and a DC/DC converter also optimizes efficiency, at all power levels, and minimizes overall thermal impact. The RF3280 includes an integrated output power detector that supplies a voltage signal relative to the output power level of the PA, thereby reducing board area and simplifying implementation.
Both the RF6276 and RF3280 do not require external blocking or decoupling capacitors. The RF6276 is housed in a compact, low profile 3mm x 3mm x 1mm package, while the RF3280 comes in a 4mm x 4mm x 1.14mm package.
"These expanding customer engagements with leading industry partners clearly demonstrate our commitment to advancing new technologies and accelerating the wide scale deployment of next-generation mobile broadband," said Eric Creviston, president of RFMD's cellular products group. "RF Micro Devices has a proven history in technology leadership and the support of new air interface standards, including 2G, 2.5G and 3G. Now, with these customer engagements, we are pleased to support the early field deployment of next-generation 4G LTE handsets."
Samples of the RF6276 and RF3280 are available immediately, and pricing is available upon request.
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