In brief: Anadigics, Apple and LEDs, Fairchild etc...
Anadigics Shines on
Korean handset maker LG is receiving production volumes of Anadigics power amplifier (PA) modules for its metallic "Shine" range of mobile phones.
The stainless steel phones feature Anadigics compact CDMA dual-band PA modules, which LG says take up less space than competing technologies.
Anadigics uses its trademarked "InGaP-plus" BiFET technology in the AWT6310R modules, combining transistor functions onto a single die to take up 25 percent less board space than two individual PAs.
Apple to use LEDs in Macs
Apple CEO Steve Jobs has responded to criticism from environmental pressure group Greenpeace with a pledge to use LED technology in large-size backlights for its Mac computers.
In an open letter highlighting a number of measures to be taken, Jobs said: "Apple plans to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of mercury by transistioning to LED backlighting for all displays when technically and economically feasible."
As LED innovator Luminus Devices has already shown in collaboration with Samsung, LED backlighting of rear-projection TV displays is both technically and economically feasible (see related story). However, LED penetration of liquid crystal computer displays is taking longer to materialize.
Apple adds that using LED backlights will eliminate arsenic from its displays - aside from the small amount that would feature in the LED chips, of course.
The first Macs with LED backlights are scheduled for launch later this year.
Fairchild eyes WiMAX
US chip giant Fairchild Semiconductor will be targeting WiMAX applications with its range of InGaP HBT power amplifiers at the International Microwave Symposium (IMS) early next month.
Fairchild moved into compound semiconductor technologies back in 2003 when it acquired the commercial RFIC unit previously belonging to Raytheon s RF components division.
Its FMPA2300 power amplifier is designed for high performance WiMax and WiBro applications in the 2.3-2.4 GHz frequency band, and is available in a low-profile 8-pin 3x3x1 mm package.
UK firm selects SiC for amps
Amplifier specialist Milmega, which is based in the UK, has chosen SiC chips for its latest range of broadband microwave products.
The company says that using SiC MESFETs has allowed it to design a 1 kW amplifier for the 0.2-1 GHz frequency range that weighs just one-third of a comparable silicon MOSFET-based product.
