Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT


Wireless front end modules

18 April 2012 Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

The RF Micro Devices (RFMD) portfolio of single-chip integrated front end modules (FEMs) is developed for high-performance AMI and ZigBee applications in the 2,4 GHz to 2,5 GHz, 915/868 MHz and 433 MHz ISM bands, as well as for Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth systems.

The RF3858, RFFM69xx, RFFM64xx, RFFM62xx series and RF5745 are specifically designed to address the need for aggressive size reduction in a typical 802.15.4 front end design and offer a reduced footprint and minimised component count, outside the core chipset.

The RF3858, RF65x9 and RFFM69xx series integrate a 915/868 MHz high-power amplifier (PA) with transmit (Tx) filtering, a low noise amplifier (LNA) with or without bypass functionality, and a complex combination of double-pole double-throw (DPDT), single-pole double-throw (SPDT) and single-pole three-throw (SP3T) switches. This configuration allows for a high-power design capable of antenna diversity. The pin out of the FEM enables users to implement additional Rx filtering external to the module, if needed.

The RF5745, RF65x5 and RFFM6201 integrate a 2,4 GHz PA, Tx filtering, input and output switches, a Tx or Rx attenuation path, and an LNA with or without bypass mode. The RF65x4 and RFFM6401 integrate a 470 MHz PA with Tx filtering and an SPDT switch. This configuration allows for a high-power design with minimal loss in the Rx path.

The RF65xx series of modules addresses multiple RF transceiver interface configurations, including single-port bidirectional; single-ended and differential; dual-port separate Rx and Tx single-ended; and differential with integrated baluns. Logical interfaces have been developed that match transceiver requirements for minimal current draw and standard voltage levels. The RF antenna ports are matched to 50 Ω and incorporate integrated DC-blocking capacitors.

Each of RFMD’s AMI front end modules meets or exceeds the needs for 802.15.4 AMI/ZigBee RF systems and is fully DC and RF tested.

Joint reference designs for ZigBee solutions

Working jointly with major ZigBee chipset providers to produce reference designs allows RFMD to more easily support product development. It also enables customers to shorten time to market, cut costs and reduce risks. Joint reference designs are themselves proof of platform cost, size and performance.

These reference designs address manufacturers’ needs for proven design technology, minimised power consumption, and range extension at higher output levels from 100 mW to 500 mW. They are fully tested, with complete documentation sets available consisting of schematics, bills of material and design files in standard Gerber format.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth FEMs

For Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth systems, RFMD offers the RFFM8200/8500 complete integrated front end module solutions. The size of these devices reduces the overall PCB area while external component count is reduced to only two bypass capacitors, thus simplifying layout area in the customer application. The flexibility of this architecture aids in reducing the bill of materials, system footprint and manufacturing cost.

The RFFM8200 integrates a 2,4 GHz PA, LNA with bypass mode, power detector coupler for improved accuracy, and filtering for harmonic rejection. This module meets or exceeds the RF front end needs of IEEE 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi RF systems.

The RFFM8500 integrates a PA, SP²T, LNA with bypass, and a power detector coupler, and it meets or exceeds the RF front end needs of IEEE 802.11a/n Wi-Fi RF systems. Both devices are provided in a 3 x 3 x 1,0 mm, 16-pin laminate package.

For more information contact Andrew Hutton, RF Design, +27 (0)21 555 8400, [email protected], www.rfdesign.co.za



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