TriQuint Introduces a CDMA Tri-Mode Receive Chip Set for Cellphone Handsets

This Groundbreaking, Four RFIC Set Allows True Tri-Mode CDMA Operation for Lower Cost, Shorter Time To Market Handset Designs

Hillsboro, OR. TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. (Nasdaq:TQNT) announces the release of a four RFIC set of CDMA receive chain ICs, packaged in small SOT23-8 packages, which will allow handset designers true tri-mode CDMA (IS-95 standard) operation. The devices, all operating with single 3-volt supplies, consist of two LNAs and two downconvert mixers (each in cellular or PCS frequencies). Providing an immediate low cost, high reliability solution for the handset designer, this CDMA receive chip set is designed with maximum operational flexibility consistent with minimum additional circuitry.

Straightforward implementation of the tri-mode design is facilitated by having mode, gain select, and bypass switches monolithically integrated in the devices. This also minimizes receive function physical area on the phone circuit board. The downconvert mixers allow low frequency IF capability leading to flexible receive architecture. High intermodulation intercept points for the LNAs and mixers improve the receiver dynamic range. Low current operation and adjustable gain steps allow longer standby times and improved battery life. DC bias and passive matching elements (for 50-ohm outputs) have been integrated on chip minimizing the total number of on-board components required. This leads to improved reliability, lower board space, and reduced cost for the phone receive chain.

PERFORMANCE

Targeted for Tri-mode CDMA operation, each LNA contains a CDMA mode with high and bypass gain settings. In addition, the TQ3131 and TQ5131 (operating in the 869 to 894 MHz range) have an AMPS mode while the TQ3631 and TQ5631 (operating in the 1930 to 1990 MHz range) have a CDMA high gain/lower linearity mode. The LNAs and Downconverters incorporate on-chip switches that determine CDMA, AMPS, and bypass modes, thus eliminating the need for external switches and are controllable directly from the baseband circuitry. The supply current, input IP3, and gain is dependent upon the gain step and mode select which are externally accessible for performance customization. The Rx solution is far superior to the stringent IS-95 requirements. Both downconverters and LNAs operate with case temperatures in the range of -30 to +85 degrees C.

APPLICATIONS

While specifically designed for the CDMA handset market, and providing a true, tri-mode worldwide capability, these devices are appropriate for any application utilizing the cellular or PCS frequency bands such as pagers, WLAN, or base station equipment.

Ms. Cathy Arb, TriQuint s Wireless Division Product Manager said, "These devices which are packaged in small SOT23-8 packages, incorporate a highly sophisticated solution for CDMA applications, achieving simplicity while keeping size and cost to a minimum. The unique on-chip switches provide designers with options for controlling performance thus saving handset battery life."

PACKAGE

All four devices are packaged in small SOT23-8 plastic packages for minimum board space and cost.

PRICE AND DELIVERY

Pricing for the chip set is as follows: TQ3131 cellular and TQ3631 PCS LNA, $0.97 each; TQ5131 cellular and TQ5631 PCS D/C Mixer, $1.09 each. All prices are for 1000 piece quantities and are available from stock.

SUPPORT

Technical support is available along with data sheets, evaluation boards, and application notes. The CDMA Receive Chain data sheets are available on TriQuint s website in pdf format at: http://www.triquint.com/Products/Wireless/TQxxxx/TQxxxx.pdf. Insert appropriate 4-digit part number for "xxxx" to go directly to the datasheets with your browser.

TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. (Nasdaq:TQNT) is a leading worldwide supplier of a broad range of high performance gallium arsenide (GaAs) integrated circuits. TriQuint s products span the RF and millimeter wave frequency ranges and employ analog and mixed signal circuit designs. They are used in wireless communications, telecommunications, data communications and aerospace systems. TriQuint offers both standard and customer specific products as well as foundry services. TriQuint s two operations, in Oregon and Texas, are both certified to the ISO 9001 international quality standard.

TriQuint is headquartered at 2300 NE Brookwood Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124 and can be reached at 503/615-9000 (fax 503/615- 8900). Visit the TriQuint website at http://www.triquint.com.

Contact:
TriQuint Cathy Arb, Product Marketing Manager, 503/615-9336
Fax 503/615-8902
carb@tqs.com
or
Rob Hamilton, Dir. Strategic Marketing & Communications, 503/615-9407
Fax 503/615-8901
rhamilton@tqs.com