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Technical Insight

Alpha forms switch/filter module alliance (GaAs News)

Alpha Industries (Woburn, MA) has formed a strategic alliance with Munich-based SAW filter manufacturer EPCOS to co-develop, manufacture and market switch/filter modules for wireless handsets. EPCOS is a leading European manufacturer of passive components, including LTCC (low-temperature co-fired ceramic) technology an important integration scheme for passive and active radio-frequency (RF) components. The agreement underscores Alpha s product roadmap, which is already firmly seated in the company s Alpha Integration Platform approach (see Compound Semiconductor December/January 2000/2001, p32). The move also reflects the growing trend among component suppliers to add more value by producing modules with increased functionality. An example is TriQuint s recent merger with Sawtek to acquire SAW filter technology (see Compound Semiconductor June 2001, p4). "Consistent with our strategy of providing highly integrated RF modules for the mobile phone market, we are partnering with EPCOS to develop technology that dramatically enhances module performance and manufacturability," said David Aldrich, Alpha s president and CEO. "This alliance provides an essential module building-block that secures Alpha s position as the world s leading provider of RF front-end solutions." Alpha s integration platform addresses manufacturing, packaging and testing issues for multifunction RF modules, and employs the company s InGaP HBT PAs and GaAs switches, SAW filters, passive devices and control logic circuitry. Initial module designs will address dual-band and eventually tri-band GSM handsets, with the first products to be shipped by September 2001. "Combining switch and filter products into a single, easy-to-use LTCC package offers OEMs shorter design lead times and enhanced functionality. This allows reduced time-to-market for their newest handset models," Aldrich continued. "Ultimately, we see a competitive advantage in our ability to produce modules that occupy a smaller footprint, provide longer battery life and a better overall RF performance than competing technologies" (see )
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