TriQuint Semiconductor Inc. announces the release of its newest highly integrated RF module for GPS (global positioning satellite) navigation systems. The new front-end module combines filter and low noise amplifier (LNA) functions in the smallest package available today, enabling new wireless handset applications as well as mobile and automotive designs. The device expands TriQuint’s already extensive GPS portfolio including surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters now in use by a majority of the world’s leading personal navigation device (PND) makers.

“The market for GPS is clearly moving toward integrated modules. It’s a similar pattern we’ve seen and continue to see in the mobile phone handset market,” remarked TriQuint GPS product marketing manager, Joshua Raha. “TriQuint is already the world’s largest GPS SAW filter manufacturer and a leading designer and manufacturer of highly integrated handset modules. It was a natural move for us to bring our integration expertise from handsets to the GPS space.”

The TQM640002 includes TriQuint’s smallest two-in-one SAW filter and can operate with either 1.8 or 2.8 supply voltages. The module’s filters provide superior rejection compared to other market solutions. Better rejection is a key factor for manufacturers who need to filter out signal interference. Filtering is especially important for GPS products because satellite-based location data signals are relatively weak compared to terrestrial RF sources. “Better rejection preserves the signal you want while filtering out the rest,” Raha said. “This is particularly important in the hostile RF environment seen in handset applications where noise or spurious signals interfere with functions like simultaneous voice and GPS usage. The out-of-band cellular signals can compress the GPS LNA, rendering the entire GPS chain unusable. The rejection our new module provides effectively protects that chain, enabling simultaneous GPS and voice communication on a cell phone.”