WCDMA Front-End Module Family Handles Any Architecture

Four additions to the Intera family of front-end modules (FEMs) from Skyworks Solutions address wideband code-division multiple access (WCDMA) applications that support bands I, II, IV, V, and VI. The FEMs high level of integration simplifies rf design, saves board space, and reduces bills of material. They also extend battery life and facilitate implementation within virtually any baseband architecture. The family supports high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA) and high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), and have a built-in power coupler and detector.

In addition, the company’s patent-pending bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filter is leveraged in personal communications system (PCS) bands I, II, and IV, creating a complete rf solution for handsets when combined with the company’s switches, power amplifiers, front-end modules, and transceivers. Leveraging patented load-insensitive power amplifier (LIPA) technology, the new WCDMA FEMs with fully integrated filters completely address operators’ needs for 3G multimode, multimedia applications where size, performance, and cost are critical. The modules come in efficient 4- by 7-mm packages.

The FEMs include:
• the SKY77433 for band I, which is a fully matched 16-pin, full-duplex module for universal mobile telecommunications systems (UMTS) in Europe and Asia,
• the SKY77434 for band II in U.S. PCS applications,
• the SKY77435 for band IV in advanced wideband systems, and
• the SKY77436 for band V for the U.S cellular market and for band VI in Japan.