Skyworks Solutions Inc., an innovator of high performance analog semiconductors enabling a broad range of end markets, unveiled a suite of new, ultra-low noise amplifiers (LNAs) for cellular infrastructure, wireless connectivity and broadcast communication applications.  The new LNAs provide best-in-class noise figure as well as high gain and linearity, improving receiver sensitivity and dynamic range.  Receiver sensitivity is a key specification of any radio used in wireless communications given its important role in detecting and separating signals, as well ensuring effective operations.

“Skyworks' new ultra-low noise amplifiers offer unprecedented performance levels for 4G wireless applications,” said John O’Neill, vice president of broad markets marketing at Skyworks.  “By leveraging our systems-level expertise, specialty processes and differentiated packaging technologies, we are offering customers highly optimized solutions for a wide range of communications applications.”

Skyworks' new devices also help reduce performance variation over process and temperature changes, provide highly flexible direct current biasing, in addition to fast on/off functionality with minimal switching – improving overall system power efficiency.

With accelerating 4G LTE network deployment, mobile operators are investing to keep pace with the growth in mobile data traffic.  In fact, mobile broadband demand is at an all-time high, with some operators reporting a doubling of data traffic in each of the last five years.  This is creating pressure to deploy more efficient network technologies that can deliver increased mobile data capacity at a lower cost.  As a result, operators are investing heavily in advanced, LNA-intensive infrastructure platforms.

According to a February 2014 report by Visiongain entitled “LTE Base Station Market Forecast 2014-2024: Top Companies Creating the Next Generation Infrastructure for 4G Mobile Telecommunications”, 2014 will be a pivotal year and one of significant growth for LTE base stations as mobile operators will need to increase network capacity to handle the explosive growth in data traffic.  In addition, TechNavio's analysts forecast the global LTE base station market to grow at a CAGR of 49.5 percent by 2016.

 About Skyworks’ New Ultra Low Noise Amplifier Family

The SKY67150-396LF and SKY67153-396LF are optimized for 300 – 2200 MHz and 700 – 3800 MHz respectively with active bias, high linearity, superior gain and industry-leading NF performance.  The devices leverage Skyworks' advanced semiconductor manufacturing and packaging processes in a compact 2 x 2 millimeter, 8-pin, dual flat no-lead package.  Internal active bias circuitry provides stable performance over temperature and process variation.  The LNA family uses a common layout with band-specific tuning and offers the ability to externally adjust supply current for system-level optimization.

About Skyworks’ Wireless Infrastructure Solutions

Skyworks offers a broad portfolio of RF/microwave products for wireless communications infrastructure systems, including cellular telephone base stations, WiMAX access points, land-mobile radio systems and point-to-point radio links.  Skyworks' portfolio includes components and subsystems from the antenna connection to the baseband output, including LNAs, power amplifiers, general purpose amplifiers, mixers, modulators, demodulators, switches, attenuators, detectors, directional couplers, hybrid couplers, power splitters/combiners, ceramic filters and resonators, as well as discrete control components such as PIN diodes, tuning varactor diodes, Schottky diodes and chip attenuators.

Pricing and Availability

Skyworks' new ultra LNA family is currently available for both sampling and production.  For volume pricing, please contact sales@skyworksinc.com.