Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/13204-skyworks-launches-heliostm-3-smallest-and-most-efficient-polar-looptm-edge-rf-subsystem-with-digrf-interface

Skyworks Launches HeliosTM 3 - Smallest and Most Efficient Polar LoopTM EDGE RF Subsystem with DigRF Interface

March 27, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2007--Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:SWKS), an innovator of high performance analog and mixed signal semiconductors enabling mobile connectivity, today unveiled HeliosTM 3 - the smallest and most efficient Polar LoopTM EDGE RF subsystem with digital RF (DigRF) interface available on the market - and the latest in its HeliosTM family of radio solutions. Its architecture minimizes the number of external components and substantially reduces the complexity, cost and power requirements of next-generation EDGE platforms required to implement a complete RF section with a digital interface. According to Deutsche Bank, over 934 million EDGE and WCDMA-capable handsets are predicted to ship by 2010, up from just 321 million last year. The DigRF standard repartitions the analog to digital interface within the system layout and illustrates Skyworks' analog mixed signal and software capabilities. It also supports the move by leading OEMs and baseband providers throughout the world to implement this partitioning approach for phones, allowing greater compatibility between the baseband device and transceiver. "Our latest EDGE radio solution illustrates Skyworks' ability to drive RF integration to the next level," said Stan Swearingen, Skyworks' vice president and general manager. "With its compact design and unique architecture, HeliosTM 3 is able to deliver the performance requirements of top-tier handset OEMs, while reducing board space and improving talk times. When coupled with our portfolio of products for emerging markets, Skyworks is the solution provider of choice, meeting the needs of today's OEMs who require platforms for both low-cost and high-end markets." Given its high level of integration and robust performance, HeliosTM 3 is an ultra compact solution that is optimal for manufacturers' next-generation, quad-band handsets incorporating advanced multimedia features including DVB-H, FM radios, MP3 players, digital cameras, and Web browsing. HeliosTM 3 also simplifies factory calibration and reduces radio frequency (RF) board space by an additional 40 percent when compared to the company's previous HeliosTM DigRF design, and allows OEMs to significantly increase production throughput. The solution - designed for GSM, GPRS, and EDGE handsets and modules - performs under an array of situations such as extreme temperatures, low-battery voltage, and antenna mismatch. Ultimately, consumers will appreciate that HeliosTM 3 minimizes battery drain by exceeding transmitted radiated power (TRP) specifications for improved current consumption. The SKY74218 DigRF EDGE Transceiver The SKY74218 is a 5 x 5 millimeter (mm) RF transceiver with DigRF interface for quad-band GSM, GPRS and EDGE applications. It is a highly integrated device with a Polar LoopTM transmitter and a receiver that contains four integrated low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), a quadrature demodulator, and selectable bandwidth digital baseband filters. The transceiver also generates a number of internal, general-purpose inputs/outputs (GPIOs) used for front-end module (FEM) control. The SKY77524 Front-End Module The SKY77524 is a 6 x 6 mm transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) FEM with integrated coupler for quad-band GSM, GPRS and EDGE applications. The device, which provides a complete Tx path from transceiver output to antenna, combines a power amplifier (PA), Tx harmonic filtering, an integrated coupler, and high-linearity and low insertion-loss pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) RF switches. The FEM enables a complete transmit-VCO-to-antenna and antenna-to-receive surface acoustic wave filter solution. The SKY77524, together with the SKY74218, create the HeliosTM 3 EDGE RF subsystem. These two devices form an integral portion of Skyworks' patented closed Polar LoopTM architecture, which autonomously splits amplitude and phase using the traditional analog in-phase and quadrature (I/Q) signals. The filter saving advantage of the translation-loop approach is embedded in the architecture. All of this functionality is available in Skyworks' lead (Pb)-free, restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) compliant packaging. Pricing and Availability The HeliosTM 3 RF subsystem will begin sampling next quarter, with volume production scheduled for the fourth fiscal quarter. Pricing varies depending upon quantities. Please contact a sales representative at sales@skyworksinc.com or visit the company's Web site at www.skyworksinc.com for more information.