Sony introduces SiGe quadband GSM/GPRS transceiver
Further, the DuettoDC is specifically designed to address handset cost reduction through minimising the RF Bill of Materials, whilst elegantly overcoming the traditional problems of direct conversion. With its future proof RF architecture, the DuettoDC is a key element in a new range of leading edge Sony SDE RF solutions addressing the requirements of GSM and Dualmode (GSM/UMTS) handsets.
Incorporating a direct conversion receiver and direct modulator on transmit, the DuettoDC is designed for lowest RF BOM (Bill of Materials) and supports GPRS Class 12 and both Edge receive and transmit. The exceptional level of integration means key functions such as the RF VCO, all LNAs and VCTCXO blocks are on chip, whilst the high power output direct modulators eliminate the need for costly external power VCOs or PA predrivers. It is also compatible with most major GSM Basebands through a flexible/programmable RF to Baseband interface.
The DuettoDC includes a fast hopping Sigma Delta PLL enabling GPRS class 12. The low PLL spurious and phase noise result in improved receive blocking performance. Traditional direct conversion problems of static and dynamic DC offsets are minimised through a combination of high IP2 RF mixers and a programmable/automated DC offset correction routine. The latter stores the offsets digitally and corrects them through DACs for low drift. This makes a GPRS handset less sensitive to unwanted blocking signals and enables it to maintain high data rate transfers using multiple timeslots. The DuettoDC is fabricated in a leading edge 0.25um SiGe Bicmos process and is packaged in a space saving 84pin VFLGA (7.0x7.0x1.1mm).
Richard McPartland, Deputy General Manager, Wireless Marketing at Sony Semiconductor & Devices Europe (SDE), said, "The DuettoDC is specifically designed to enable GSM handset manufacturers to develop flexible common RF platforms which support Quadband and Edge. The RF Bill of Materials has been minimised through exceptional levels of integration which includes features such as a superb Sigma Delta PLL and on chip RF VCO, both designed to provide excellent RF performance at lowest cost. The DuettoDC is the latest and best GSM/GPRS transceiver developed by the Wireless team at Sony SDE s European Design Center and follows on from the successful Duetto and Concerto20 GSM transceivers."
About Sony Sony manufactures audio, video, communications and information technology products for the global consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to become a leading personal broadband entertainment company in the 21st century. In Europe Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of EUR 14.90 billion (yen 1,473,780 million) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, based on an average market exchange rate for the same period of yen 98.9 to the EUR.
Sony Europe, headquartered at the Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, is responsible for the company s European electronics business and registered consolidated sales of EUR 10.37 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001.
Sony Semiconductor and Devices Europe (SDE), with headquarters in Weybridge, and European product development centre in Basingstoke, UK has a unique portfolio of semiconductor, components and battery products - primarily focussed on the mobile communications, networking and AV/IT markets. Our market leading products include TFT LCD s, Li-Ion and Li-Polymer batteries, wireless semiconductor devices for 2G, 2.5G and 3G applications, Memory Stick and demodulators and conditional access modules for home networking devices. For further information on Sony SDE, please visit www.semiconductor.sony-europe.com. SDE is the European division of the Sony Semiconductor Network Company (SNC).
Stephanie Kane
Harvard Public Relations
Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 4913
Fax: +44 (0)20 8283 4948
E-mail: stephanie.kane@harvard.co.uk
Web site: http://www.semiconductor.sony-europe.com
