Skyworks Solutions Inc., a developer of high performance analog and mixed signal semiconductors enabling mobile connectivity, announced that it has expanded its position in (GPRS) front-end modules (FEMs) through strategic engagements with leading system on chip (SoC) providers. To date, Skyworks has shipped more than 750 million GPRS power amplifiers (PAs) and FEMs, supporting the increasing demand for entry-level handsets in emerging markets.


Part of Skyworks' InteraLite portfolio of solutions, the low cost and small-form factor FEMs are now in volume production with several leading SOC providers including Infineon, MediaTek, Texas Instruments and NXP Semiconductors.

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Skyworks Solutions Inc.

Integrating a PA, PA controller and a switch, the FEMs leverage the company's advanced manufacturing techniques to reduce the radio frequency (RF) footprint and overall bill-of-materials, two key challenges original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) face when designing low-cost phones. In emerging markets, both consumers and operators require handsets that are inexpensive, yet meet or exceed specific requirements for size, quality and reliability. Given its high-power efficiency, these solutions also maintain overall thermal performance and improve battery life.

The InteraLite Portfolio is led by three key devices. The SKY77318 module is designed for quad-band cellular GSM850/900, DCS1800 and PCS1900 handset applications, while the SKY77518 is a Tx-Rx FEM with integrated PA control (iPACTM) for dual-band cellular handsets comprising GSM900 and DCS1900 operation. Both solutions support GPRS multi-slot operation. The SKY77531, now in volume production, is a high-power efficiency Tx-Rx quad-band FEM with iPACTM that contains a quad-band gallium arsenide (GaAs) heterojunction bipolar (HBT) PA, a 1P6T switch to enable flexible phone layout, and an integrated complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-based controller to manage the PA and switch.

In addition, Skyworks' family of Intera and InteraLite FEMs and PAs support all key air interfaces and market segments, expanding the company's highly successful GPRS, EDGE, CDMA and WCDMA product portfolio.

Skyworks showcased its portfolio of Intera FEMs and Helios radio solutions in Hall 8, Stand C132 at Mobile World Congress, held February 11-14, 2008.