Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/12853-rfmd-r-introduces-innovative-edge-transmit-module-featuring-new-powerstar-r-ii-power-control-technology

RFMD(R) Introduces Innovative Edge Transmit Module Featuring New PowerStar(R) II Power Control Technology

February 21, 2007
BARCELONA, Spain--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 2007--RF Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: RFMD), a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance radio systems and solutions for applications that drive mobile communications, today announced the availability of the RF3203 GSM/GPRS/EDGE transmit module, which features new PowerStar(R) II technology for improvements in total radiated power (TRP) and specific absorption rate (SAR) performance. PowerStar power amplifiers feature the industry's best selling implementation of power control technology. The RF3203 builds upon RFMD's leadership in linear EDGE power amplifiers by integrating switch functionality and adding PowerStar II power control technology. PowerStar II technology improves system efficiency at rated power and delivers improved TRP performance. The improved TRP performance is achieved through reductions in sensitivity to environmental conditions such as battery, temperature and antenna mismatch. The RF3203 reduces the output power variation in a 3:1 antenna mismatch to +/-1dB and reduces the current variation by 50%. Eric Creviston, corporate vice president of RFMD's Cellular Products Group, said, "The release of the RF3203 combines our leadership in transmit modules and linear EDGE technology with the benefits of our next-generation PowerStar II power control system. The RF3203 also provides customers the first linear EDGE transmit module that fully supports emerging TRP requirements. The RF3203 reduces implementation costs and helps deliver improved reliability and greater performance, all of which are key metrics for customers." Total radiated power (TRP) is the measure of a mobile device's radiated output power. TRP is a function of the output power of the power amplifier, the antenna's radiation efficiency and the power amplifier's sensitivity to antenna mismatch. Antenna mismatch occurs in all handsets and is more predominant in multi-band "worldphones" because of the increase in the number of bands supported by the antenna. As a result of antenna mismatch, handsets can operate below planned output power, resulting in dropped calls, or above planned output power, resulting in reduced talk time and poor call quality. Improvements in TRP increase network efficiency, network coverage and data throughput rates while also reducing the frequency of dropped calls. RFMD has shipped approximately 20 million power amplifiers to date that reduce variation in output power into mismatched antennas and deliver industry-leading TRP performance. The RF3203 complies fully with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) and will available in the second quarter of 2007.