Skyworks ramps Helios for Korean handsets
Leading GaAs IC maker Skyworks Solutions of Woburn, MA, has received its first high-volume order for its Helios radio system.
The order comes from a Korean handset manufacturer, which is expected to incorporate Helios into its new EDGE products in early 2005.
Helios is an RF subsystem that incorporates a power amplifier (PA) module, PA controller and a direct conversion transceiver.
The subsystem supports the GSM850 and GSM900 bands, as well as PCS1900 and DCS1800 with two separate HBT PA blocks fabricated onto a single GaAs die.
One HBT PA block supports the two GSM bands, while the other supports DCS and PCS.
Skyworks claims that Helios saves space on a handset design and also has the potential to enhance PA efficiency in EDGE mode by up to 10% compared with conventional architectures.
"Our highly-integrated solution optimizes power efficiency, improves thermal ruggedness, reduced component count and lowers overall bill of materials," said Kevin Barber, general manager of RF solutions at Skyworks.
"Our evolutionary path from GPRS to EDGE is easier for our customers to implement when compared to discrete approaches provided by other suppliers."
According to one recent market survey, the chipset market for EDGE handset components may reach $2 billion by 2009.
