Transmit modules for 3G tout UMTS transmit/receive ports

RF Micro Devices Inc. (RFMD) has announced a couple of quad-band GSM/GPRS Class 12-compliant Tx modules with UMTS transmit/receive ports. The RF3235 and RF3237, when paired with one or more discrete 3G power amplifiers such as RF722x or RF724x, enable best-in-class performance at the lowest total solution cost for 3G entry platforms, stated the company.

The RF3235 and 3237 include four (RF3237) to six (RF3235) UMTS transmit/receive ports that also serve as GSM Rx ports and are pin-to-pin compatible. Both build on RFMD's PowerStar integrated power control technology, silicon-on-insulator (SOI) switch technology and integrated transmit filtering. These devices are designed for the final portion of the transmitter section in GSM850/EGSM900/DCS1800/PCS1900/UMTS handsets. The modules eliminate the need for a PA-to-antenna switch module-matching network. The 50Ω matched input and output ports require no external matching components.

RFMD said the transmit modules feature high efficiency at rated P_OUT, with V_BATT锟?= 3.5V, GSM850/EGSM900 = 43 percent and DCS1800/PCS1900 = 36 percent. In addition, the devices deliver 0.6db LB and 0.8dB HB TRx insertion loss for 3G efficiency and improved Rx sensitivity. Likewise, the devices boast >35dB isolation for most port combinations.

In addition to the applications mentioned above, the transmit module can be used in single through quad-band UMTS handsets and connected devices including TDSCDMA and CDMA, 3V multimode mobile applications and GPRS.

These products are available in production quantities.