6 January 2016

Skyworks expands suite of SkyLiTE front-ends to support major SoC platforms and IoT with embedded cellular connections

Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA (which manufactures analog and mixed-signal semiconductors) has expanded its family of SkyLiTE front-end solutions powering LTE devices. Originally targeted for mobile platforms in emerging markets (when the firm began volume production of its initial SkyLiTE front-end solutions for LTE in January 2015), the newest solutions are also being adopted across Internet of Things (IoT) applications that utilize embedded cellular connections such as the connected car and wearables.

The SkyLiTE product family incorporates the amplification, switching, Wi-Fi filtering and coupler functionality required to support all major FDD/TDD bands and has been architected to support the hardware and software compatibility requirements for all major system on a chip platforms. With the addition of external duplexers, the product suite provides OEMs with a scalable and reconfigurable front-end system for broad markets and applications worldwide.

"As the world becomes more connected, OEMs require partners who can deliver system-level solutions across traditional as well as new and previously unimagined applications," says VP of marketing Carlos Bori. "With our SkyLiTE portfolio, Skyworks is once again delivering the innovation required by customers seeking the highest levels of integration, performance and flexibility spanning the smartphone, automotive, industrial and wearable markets." 

According to a GfK Projector Model Report last September, LTE will represent about 49% of total handsets by 2016, up from 22% in 2014. Further, according to a recent GSMA Intelligence Report, the machine-to-machine (M2M) market has seen rapid growth globally over recent years as operators and governments recognize the potential of IoT and as the number of active deployments starts to accelerate. As of December 2014, there were 243 million cellular M2M connections globally. The total number of cellular M2M connections is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26% between 2014 and 2020, bringing the total to almost 1 billion connections. In the automotive sector, Business Intelligence forecasts that there will be 100 million new cars shipped with built-in connectivity by 2020, up from just 20 million today.

Targeting these fast-growing segments, Skyworks says that its expanded family of SkyLiTE solutions (joining the existing SKY77643-11, SKY77824-11, SKY77910-11 and SKY77916-11) comprises the following products:

• The SKY77643-21 is a multimode multiband power amplifier (MMPA) module that supports 3G/4G handsets and operates efficiently in WCDMA, TD-SCDMA and LTE modes. It is fully programmable through a Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI). The InGaP and silicon die, along with the passive components, are mounted on a multi-layer laminate substrate and come in a 4.0mm x 6.8mm x 0.8mm, 42-pad multi-chip module (MCM), surface-mount technology (SMT) package for what is claimed to be a highly manufacturable, low-cost solution.

• The SKY77822-21 is a fully matched, 28-pad surface-mount power amplifier module developed for LTE applications. It includes broadband coverage of FDD LTE Bands 7 and 30, TDD LTE Bands 38/40, and Band 41, all in a compact 4.0mm x 3.65mm package. The device delivers savings in current consumption for data-intensive applications by attaining high efficiencies throughout the entire power range.

• The SKY77916-21 is a transmit/receive front-end module (FEM) that offers the complete transmit VCO-to-antenna and antenna-to-receive SAW filter solution for advanced cellular handsets comprising quad-band GSM, GPRS, EDGE multi-slot operation, and TD-SCDMA and TDD LTE transmission. The FEM fully enables broadband 3G/4G RF switch-through, outward switching of the power amplifier RF inputs, 14 transmit/receive antenna switch ports, and an integrated directional coupler.

• The SKY77641 is a multimode multiband power amplifier module that supports 3G/4G handsets and operates efficiently in WCDMA, TD-SCDMA and LTE modes. Fully programmable through a MIPI, the MMPA module consists of a WCDMA/LTE block for low, high and mid-bands, and a multi-function control block with RF input/output ports internally matched to 50 to reduce the number of external components.

Skyworks is highlighting its Internet of Things product portfolio at the 2016 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall, Meeting Place 25646 (6-9 January).

See related items:

Skyworks ramps suite of LTE solutions powering next-gen chipsets for emerging markets

Tags: Skyworks FEM

Visit: www.skyworksinc.com