Analog semiconductor maker Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA says that its wireless connectivity front-end modules (FEMs) are being used by Broadcom Corp in several of its 5G WiFi solutions, enabling some of the fastest download speeds available in access points, routers, DSL/cable gateways, PCs, smartphones and tablets.
Skyworks' complete 2.4 and 5GHz 802.11a/g/n/ac solutions integrate the power amplifier, filter, power detector, transmit/receive (T/R) switch, diplexer and associated matching in an ultra-compact form factor, delivering all the essential functionality from the output of the SOC to the antenna.
"With digital content consumption on the rise, particularly as consumers watch video on more devices and in more places around the home, Broadcom is closely collaborating with Skyworks to deliver solutions that offer the industry's fastest wireless speeds and enhance the overall user experience," comments Dino Bekis, vice president of marketing, Wireless Connectivity at Broadcom.
"Broadcom and Skyworks have a long history of partnering to deliver market leading solutions with performance and cost advantages for both manufacturers and consumers," says Liam K. Griffin, executive VP & corporate general manager at Skyworks. "This engagement comes as market demand for 5G WiFi is accelerating across developed and emerging markets."
By next year, 802.11ac is expected to be the dominant standard and its reach is expected to go well beyond just smartphones, tablets and computers. According to a study by Strategy Analytics, sales of consumer devices compatible with 802.11ac, including routers and gateways, will grow and surpass 1 billion units by the end of 2015 and 2.8 billion in 2017. The 802.11ac deployment will initially involve smartphones and tablets, with connected televisions, media players and other devices to follow.
Designed to meet stringent linearity conditions of 802.11ac standard, Skyworks' SE5516A delivers < 2% error vector magnitude (EVM) at rated AC power. All RF ports are matched to 50Ω to simplify printed circuit board layout and the interface to the transceiver RFIC. The device also includes a transmitter power detector with 20dB of dynamic range for each transmit chain. Each power amplifier (PA) has a separate digital enable control for transmitter on/off control. The power ramp rise/fall time is less than 0.4μs. It also provides a notch filter from 3.260–3.267GHz prior to the input of each 2.4GHz and 5GHz PAs, respectively. The device is housed in a 4mm x 4mm x 1mm halogen- and lead-free, restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL3) land grid array package.
The SKY85302-11 is a complete 802.11ac WLAN RF FEM with a Bluetooth port. It provides all the functionality of a fully matched PA, power detector, harmonic filter, low-noise amplifier (LNA) and single-pole, triple-throw switch. It also provides a complete 2.4GHz solution from the output of the transceiver to the antenna, and from the antenna to the input of the transceiver. The LNA increases the receive sensitivity of embedded solutions to improve range or to overcome the insertion loss of cellular filters, often included for mobile applications. The device also includes a transmitter power detector with 20dB of dynamic range, and a digital-enable control for transmitter power ramp on/off control. The FEM is also provided in a compact 16-pin, 2.5mm x 2.5mm, quad-flat, no-lead (QFN) package.
The SKY85706-11 is a highly integrated, 5GHz FEM incorporating a single-pole, double-throw T/R switch, an LNA with bypass, and a PA intended for mobile/portable, 802.11n/ac applications and systems. An enable/disable function is included, allowing power savings during off mode. In addition, an integrated power detector with 20dB of dynamic range is included to provide closed-loop power control within the system. The FEM is also provided in a compact 16-pin, 2.5mm x 2.5mm QFN package.
