Skyworks Intros 2G, 3G and 4G Antenna Switch Modules

Building on its experience in the field of analog and mixed signal semiconductors, Skyworks Solutions, Inc. has decided to extend its product offer with a new family of antenna switch modules (ASMs) and data card platforms. Aimed to provide connectivity to handsets using 2G, 3G or 4G technologies, these solutions seek to enable both high-performance and low-cost architectures, depending on the interface requirements. The new products all employ the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and gallium arsenide (GaAs) technologies.

The switch, ASM and FEM devices are based on the pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) technology, as well as wafer-level chip-scale package (WL-CSP) SAW, integrated passive device (IPD) and SOI technologies. The RF ports of these devices have no need of external blocking capacitors, which means that, in addition to high performance, customers will benefit from minimized material bills and occupied board space. By these means, Skyworks will deliver a comprehensive switch proftolio, which will augment the existing range of world-class switches used in the company's front-end modules.

“Skyworks is pleased to be supporting such a broad range of next-generation wireless broadband and mobile handset applications with our new family of antenna switch modules,” Dr. Gene A. Tkachenko, Skyworks’ senior director of engineering, said. “These solutions highlight the breadth and depth of our technology as we look to best serve our customers’ needs on multiple fronts and with highly integrated architectures.”

The products launched by the company are the single-pole ten-throw (SP10T) SKY13362 ASM, the low-cost, single-pole eight-throw (SP8T) SKY14152 ASM, the low-cost, single-pole four-throw (SP4T) SKY14153 switch, the low cost, double-pole four-throw (DP4T) SKY14155 switch and the SKY18106, an SP8T ASM designed for multimode, high power switching applications. All of these products are already available, except for the SKY13362, which will start sampling during the second quarter of 2010.

Skyworks' product portfolio was showcased at the Mobile World Congress 2010.