Comms ICs
Analog Devices Introduces High-Performance Radio Frequency Mixers
Analog Devices announced the introduction of two new high-performance RF (radio frequency) passive mixers for a variety of wireless applications, such as cellular base station receivers, transmit observation receivers and radio link downconverters. Designing for these applications requires high linearity and low noise and has always been a challenge as existing mixer solutions often require external components, such as baluns and matching components that add complexity to the design.
Intersil's RS-485/RS-422 quad receivers feature industry's best ESD protection, wide voltage and temperature ranges, in ultra-small QFN packages
Intersil has introduced a family of small-footprint quad 16.5kV ESD-protected RS-485 and RS-422 receivers, featuring wide voltage and temperature ranges. The ISL3217x and ISL3227x series feature wide supply-voltage operating ranges of 3V to 5.5V and extended temperature ranges to 125 degrees C, making them ideal design choices for motor controllers, encoders, factory automation, and process control networks.
MAX7060: Programmable ASK/FSK transmitter provides frequency and output-power flexibility
Maxim introduced the MAX7060, a frequency- and power-agile ASK/FSK transmitter that enables the use of a single design for multiple applications. This device integrates a fractional-N synthesizer that allows programming over a wide 280MHz to 450MHz frequency range with a single crystal reference.
Analog Devices Delivers Radio Frequency ICs with Breakthrough Integration for Broadband Communications Equipment
Analog Devices announced today two new RF ICs for broadband communications systems that reduce component count by more than 75 percent, without compromising performance. The ADRF6655 active mixer or ADRF6510 dual programmable filter and VGA (variable gain amplifier) integrate multiple functions and discrete devices into a single monolithic chip, reducing component count by a factor of four when compared to traditional discrete RF designs. ADI is the only RF IC supplier to offer devices with this level of integration and with the capability to address multiple broadband communications markets, such as point-to-point microwave radios, wireless base stations, cable infrastructure, defence wideband and software-defined radios, cellular repeaters and relays, and communications test equipment.
Wavesat Announces Sampling Milestone for Odyssey 9010 LTE Chipset
Wavesat Inc., a leading supplier of Broadband Wireless semiconductor solutions, today announced that Alpha Networks of Hsinchu, ROC has sampled the Odyssey 9010, the first in Wavesat's "9000" series of LTE chipsets, and has selected it for inclusion in a forthcoming line of USB dongles, CPEs (consumer premises equipment), and other consumer broadband devices.
Inphi Introduces 40 Gbps TIA for Very Short Reach Applications and Next-Generation Networks
Inphi Corporation, a high-speed analog semiconductor company, today introduced its 4336TA Transimpedance Amplifier (TIA) for next-generation Small Form-Factor 40 Gbps Very Short Reach (VSR) transponder modules. The new 4336TA is a high-gain TIA that enables transponders to achieve high-sensitivity and high-overload performance over a wide range of temperatures and supply voltages. As a result, Inphi helps its customers simplify the design, production and installation of 40 Gbps serial components and equipment. The new 4336TA component will be shown at OFC/NFOEC 2010 in San Diego, March 23-25. Engineering samples of the 4336TA are available immediately.
MAX19998: Highest linearity, SiGe downconverting mixer for LTE, WiMAX, and MMDS base stations
Maxim introduced the MAX19998, a fully integrated, 2300MHz to 4000MHz, downconverting mixer with an on-chip LO buffer. Designed using Maxim's proprietary monolithic SiGe BiCMOS process, this device delivers an unparalleled combination of linearity, noise performance, and component integration over an exceptionally wide band of operation. A single IC provides a fully integrated downconversion channel, with 24.3dBm (typ) of IIP3, 8.7dB (typ) of conversion gain, and a 9.7dB (typ) noise figure.
MAX4951BE: eSATA redriver with dynamic power-saving mode supports SATA 6Gbps speeds
Maxim introduces the MAX4951BE, a dual-channel buffer designed to redrive eSATA/SATA signals while supporting data rates up to 6.0Gbps and extending battery life with two power-saving modes. This device preserves signal integrity at the receiver by reestablishing full output levels, and it can reduce total system jitter (TJ) by squaring the signal. Selectable preemphasis and programmable equalization allow the signal to be redriven across long traces, thereby increasing layout flexibility. The MAX4951BE is designed for applications such as notebook computers in which the user needs to push the signal through docking-station connectors, onto a mezzanine board, and through an external connector while being compliant with the Serial ATA International Organization: Serial ATA Revision 3.0 specification. It is also well suited for desktops and servers that must carry signals over long cables and boards while overcoming losses on the PCB and in the eSATA connector.
Nu Horizons launches industry's fastest PCIe 2.0 UART series
Nu Horizons Electronics announces the availability of the industry's fastest PCIe 2.0 UARTs from Exar, with serial data rates up to 25Mbps. The XR17V352/354/358 XR17V352/354/358 series offers designers of advanced low voltage and low power boards a complete single-chip endpoint solution, eliminating the requirement for external PCIe-PCI bridge and thereby reducing component count. Additionally, the XR17V352, at 9mm x 9mm is the smallest two-channel compliant device in the industry.
Analog Devices - High Performance, Radio Frequency Circuit for Short-range Wireless Systems in Industrial, Science and Medical Applications
Analog Devices announced today the availability of an RF transceiver targeting short-range wireless systems in the global 2.4 GHz ISM (industrial, science and medical) band. The transceiver supports the IEEE802.15.4 standard and may be used to implement solutions based upon protocols such as Zigbee® IPv6/6LowWPAN, ISA100.11a and Wireless HART, as well as offering the flexibility to implement proprietary FSK-based protocols with data rates of up to 2 Mbps. ADI's new ADF7242 short range transceiver offers best-in-class blocking resistance to increase the effective signal quality and range as well as prolong battery life. Applications include smart meters/smart grid; wireless sensor networks, building automation, industrial wireless control, wireless remote controls, consumer electronics and healthcare.
Atmel Features Industry's Lowest Power Wake-up Management with New LIN Transceiver Families
Atmel announced the availability of two new transceiver families for LIN automotive networking applications. Featuring the industry's lowest power wake-up management (the power consumption of competing solutions is up to 10 times higher), the new Atmel LIN families serve automotive body electronics applications such as door modules, seat control or intelligent sensors, and powertrain applications such as engine control systems. In addition, Atmel's ATA6663/64 transceivers are suited for other body electronic applications where low-speed data communication and low cost are important.
Silicon Labs SI4830 AM/FM Receiver Brings Digital Performance to Analog Radios
Silicon Laboratories is bringing the benefits of digital performance and integration to mechanically tuned analog radios with the introduction of the Si4830 AM/FM receiver. Silicon Labs' new Si4830 AM/FM receiver IC reduces product design time and system cost and streamlines manufacturing for a wide range of radio products such as portable radios, boom boxes, clock and lamp radios, toy radios and give-away radios.
Narrow band multi-channel transceiver LMD-400-R conforms to EN300113 and FCC Part 90
Circuit Design, Inc. the leading supplier of narrowband radio modules has developed and released the data transceiver LMD-400-R, designed for use under the European Land Mobile Service specification EN 300-113 and Private Land Mobile Services FCC Part 90 in the U.S. market. The LMD-400-R is the same size and pin-compatible with Circuit Design's EN 300220 compliant license-exempt transceiver model STD-302N-R that has been widely used in Europe as a standard transceiver for remote control in industrial radio applications.
NVE Introduces Isolated CAN Transceiver
NVE Corporation today announced the introduction of the IsoLoop IL41050T isolated Controller Area Network (CAN) transceiver. Transceiver and isolation functions are integrated in a single device with improved performance and reduced chip count compared to discrete transceivers and traditional optocouplers. The IL41050T fully complies with the ISO 11898 CAN standard and de facto industry standards, and provides an isolated interface to three volt or five volt microcontrollers.
RF Micro Devices Introduces Single-Placement RF Front Ends
RF Micro Devices introduced the RF7178 – said to be the cellular industry's first front end module to integrate a quad-band, class 12-compliant GSM/GPRS power amplifier, a pHEMT antenna switch and receive SAW filters.
CMX994 - Direct Conversion I/Q Demodulator - DCRx has the Edge
CML Microcircuits a leading innovator and provider of low-power semiconductors for global wireless and two-way radio communications markets, has added a new Direct Conversion Receiver IC (DCRx) to its family of RF Integrated Circuits.
picoChip delivers complete range of next generation femtocell solutions
picoChip unveiled three new products that allow its customers to address the complete range of femtocell requirements via a single design platform. The introduction of two new picoXcell system-on-chip (SoC) devices and an integrated suite of HSPA+ femtocell access point (FAP) software creates the industry's most complete family of system-level femtocell solutions.
Lime Microsystems announces availability of multi-band multi-standard transceiver with fully integrated ADC and DAC for femtocell applications
Lime Microsystems has announced the availability of the LMS6002D, a multi-band multi-standard RF transceiver IC designed for small cell base stations and femtocells, featuring integrated high performance dual ADC and DAC. This single chip transceiver solution delivers increased levels of integration over the company's analogue version, the LMS6002. The highly frequency agile transceiver operates at user-selectable frequencies between 375MHz and 4GHz and is suitable for 3G, WiMAX, and LTE operation.
Avago Technologies - Ultra Low Noise Amplifier for Cellular Infrastructure Applications
Avago Technologies announced the latest edition to its family of ultra low noise, high gain, high linearity Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) active bias amplifiers for use in cellular infrastructure applications. Avago's MGA-633P8, which is an easy-to-use GaAs monolithic microwave IC (MMIC) low noise amplifier (LNA), provides 'Best in Class' performance and has a compact footprint. Additionally, it has a common printed circuit board layout, which is ideal for front-end applications used in cellular base stations.
MAX14770E: +5V, fail-safe, PROFIBUS-DP/RS-485 transceiver for rugged industrial environments
Maxim introduced the MAX14770E PROFIBUS-DP/RS-485 transceiver. Maxim's next-generation BiCMOS process technology enables the device to achieve fast (20Mbps) data throughput while integrating robust (±35kV, HBM) ESD-protected structures in a small TQFN package.
Phyworks transceiver extends reach and reduces gauge of copper cables
The PHY2210 equalizing cable transceiver from Phyworks enables cable manufacturers to extend the reach and reduce the gauge of active copper cable assemblies supporting all standard data rates up to 10.5Gbps. Integrating a high performance equalizer, limiting output amplifier and easily adjusted pre-emphasis cable driver, the PHY2210 will handle 10G datarates running over 15m of lightweight 24AWG twin ax cable.
Worlds First 100 Gigabit Network Processor now available from Broadband Technology
EZchip Semiconductor, a leader in Ethernet network processors, today announced that it is sampling its NP-4 100-Gigabit network processor (NPU). With NP-4, EZchip brings to market the highest performance programmable single-chip solution for Carrier Ethernet equipment.
Energy Micro to enter low power RF arena
Energy Micro has announced it is to begin development of a companion range of low power RF transceiver products. In line with its successful microcontroller design philosophy, Energy Micro is aiming to produce RF devices consuming a quarter of the energy of existing leading edge products.
MAX13171E/73E/75E: Next-generation multiprotocol chipset maximizes data throughput and provides enhanced ESD protection
Maxim introduced the MAX13171E multiprotocol data transceiver, the MAX13173E multiprotocol clock transceiver, and the MAX13175E multiprotocol termination IC. These three devices form a multiprotocol transceiver chipset that supports V.28 (RS-232), V.10/V.11 (RS-449/V.36, EIA-530, EIA-530A, X.21), and V.35 protocols. Designed using Maxim's next-generation BiCMOS process technology, this chipset is a pin-compatible upgrade for the MXL1543B/MXL1544/MXL1344 chipset.
MAX9947: Single-chip AISG-compliant transceiver is 100x smaller than discrete designs
Maxim introduced the MAX9947, a fully integrated AISG-compliant transceiver. This single-chip solution packs a transmitter, receiver, and active filters into a 3mm x 3mm TQFN package that is 100x smaller than discrete solutions. Additionally, the transceiver provides an autodirection output to facilitate RS-485 bus arbitration in tower-mounted equipment without requiring a microcontroller. The high integration of the MAX9947 greatly simplifies the implementation of AISG-compliant base stations and tower-mounted equipment.
High Dynamic Range Active Upconverting Mixer Supports All LTE/Cellular Bands from 400MHz to 2.7GHz
A new wide bandwidth active upconverting mixer, the LT5578 from Linear Technology, delivers high dynamic range performance from 400MHz to 2.7GHz, supporting all of the allocated LTE (Long-Term Evolution) broadband wireless services. At 900MHz, the mixer offers 27dBm Output IP3 linearity and best-in-class noise floor of -160.5dBm/Hz at an output level of -5dBm, enabling outstanding transmitter dynamic range.
MAX3107- Tiny Serial UART integrates an oscillator and saves space, power, and cost for industrial and mobile applications
Maxim claims the industry's lowest power, fastest, and smallest serial UART to communicate over an SPI/I2C interface. The MAX3107 has low power consumption which will extend battery life in portable applications. The device's fast data rates (24Mbps) and deep FIFO (128 words) allow additional buffering and thus relieve demand on the system's microcontroller. The MAX3107 is packaged in a space-saving, 24 pin (3.5mm x 3.5mm) TQFN, which is 24% smaller than other serial UARTs in the market today.
austriamicrosystems announces high voltage automotive CMOS LIN 2.1 transceiver ICs with add ons enabling powerful LIN slaves
austriamicrosystems today announced two new in-vehicle-network ICs, the AS8520 and AS8530. The AS8520 is dedicated to LIN slaves which can be found in car doors, car roof modules, seat modules or similar applications providing the transceiver, a voltage regulator, four-wire micro controller interface for window watchdog, diagnosis and backup register access, as well as two relay drivers and a resistive attenuator. The AS8530 is a general purpose companion IC for LIN slaves providing the transceiver, a LDO and a shared pin microcontroller interface with window watchdog inside an 8-pin package.
Tiny LNAs improve GPS receive sensitivity over discrete or integrated receive solutions
Maxim has introduced the MAX2657 and MAX2658, which are two tiny, battery-sipping LNAs (low-noise amplifiers) designed for GPS-enabled applications operating in the 1575MHz band. Maxim merges its innovative SiGe BiCMOS process technology and WLP (wafer-level packaging) expertise in these devices, and they improve the performance of GPS receive sensitivity with an ultra-low 0.8dB noise figure. This sensitivity is an improvement over both discrete GaAs and Phempt LNAs or highly integrated RF CMOS solutions.
Avago Technologies - DC-80 GHz Travelling Wave Amplifier for Microwave Radio Systems and Satellite VSAT Applications
Avago Technologies has introduced an ultra broadband travelling wave amplifier (TWA) for high-speed digital communications applications that operate in the 30KHz to 80GHz frequency band. Avago's AMMC-5025 amplifier provides 8 dB of small signal gain and excellent gain flatness of ±0.7 dB along with better than 10 dB input and output return loss to provide superior performance which is ideal for use in Test and Measurement equipment, Radar Warning Receivers, Wideband Communications and Surveillance systems, and Point-to-Point Radios.
Microtune - Receiver Chip Delivers Superior Performance, Cost and Size to Worldwide Digital TV Market
Microtune has introduced a radio frequency (RF)-to-baseband IC, based on a new, highly integrated silicon architecture, that delivers uncompromised TV receiver performance at a compelling new price point. The MT3141 single chip enables TV manufacturers to use a smaller, higher-performance and more cost-effective receiver across their next-generation global digital television designs. Using Microtune's MT3141, manufacturers can build thinner, lighter digital TVs that deliver premium performance for all brands, models, price points and screen sizes.
austriamicrosystems - High performance single-channel 125 kHz LF wakeup receiver requiring minimal external components
austriamicrosystems has expanded its RF product portfolio with the AS3930, a single-channel low power, low frequency wakeup receiver which offers the highest sensitivity at lowest current consumption for the industry's best range. The AS3930 supports the widely used 125 kHz band and, through the optimization of power consumption, sensitivity and programmability, enables a variety of applications.
RFMD Introduces RFFC0085 Frequency Converter IC
RF Micro Devices has announced the introduction of the RFFC0085 frequency converter IC. The CMOS-based RFFC0085 frequency converter IC is designed for use as an Out-of-Band (OOB) receive circuit tuner in cable industry and SATCOM-DBS set-top boxes, DOCSIS® Set-Top Gateways, OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP™) CableCards, Tru2Way™ products and CableCard-equipped HDTVs.
SIMCom single-chip module supports multi-channel wireless communication
ACAL Technology announces a new single-chip module which combines short-range RF with an embedded SIM for GSM or GPRS communication. Designed for low-cost machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, such as smart metering, wireless sensing, telemetry or access control and security, SIMCom's SIM 802 module can connect to an unlimited number of slave nodes and features programmable transmit power to maximise battery life.
Maxim Integrated Products announces 2000MHz to 3000MHz SiGe passive mixer
Maxim has introduced the MAX2042, the industry's highest performance, fully integrated, 2000MHz to 3000MHz SiGe passive mixer. Designed specifically for LTE, WiMAX, WCS, and MMDS wireless-infrastructure applications, the MAX2042 delivers an unparalleled combination of linearity, noise performance, and component integration. When configured as a downconverter, this IC provides 36dBm of IIP3, 23.4dBm of IP1dB, 7.2dB of conversion loss, and a 7.3dB noise figure. In addition, it exhibits excellent 2nd- and 3rd-order spurious suppression. As an upconverter, the MAX2042 delivers equally impressive performance with 32.4dBm of IIP3, 67dBc of LO ±2IF suppression, and a conversion loss of only 6.8dB. Together, these parameters make the MAX2042 ideal for demanding base-station applications where high linearity and a low noise figure are critical for enhanced receiver and transmitter performance.
Single-chip 14G VCSEL driver and dual-path limiting amplifier
Maxim has introduced the MAX3799, a single-chip VCSEL driver and dual-path limiting-amplifier solution targeted at SFP+ Ethernet and Fibre Channel applications. Fabricated using Maxim's MBiC3 IC technology, this device delivers up to 14Gbps performance, a wide range of programmable receiver and transmitter features, and only 320mW of power consumption. Packing the functions of two chips into one, the MAX3799 provides a low-cost, low-power solution optimized for Ethernet 1000BASE-SR/10GBASE-SR and 2x/4x/8x/16x Fibre Channel transmission systems, thus simplifying transceiver BOM for module manufacturers.
Avago Technologies - First GPS Front-End Modules that Integrates an FBAR Pre-Filter with a Low Noise Amplifier
Avago Technologies has introduced the industry's first highly integrated miniature GPS front-end modules that combine a film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) filter with a high-gain, low noise amplifier (LNA) that offers superior performance levels. Avago's ALM-1912 integrates a LNA and a high-rejection pre-filter in a miniature compact package to provide a complete and compact high-performance GPS radio frequency (RF) front-end module that can help to simplify the design of a wide range of GPS handset applications.
Elan Digital releases USB-to-SDIO Host Bridge Chip
Elan Digital Systems, specialist innovators in SDIO design, announce the release of its latest connectivity device, the VUB300. This device provides a single SD/SDIO port via USB 2.0 system interface.
austriamicrosystems presents the worldwide first FlexRay transceiver produced in series, certified to the FlexRay specification V2.1 Rev B
austriamicrosystems has introduced the AS8221 FlexRay Standard Transceiver, which is certified to the latest FlexRay Standard V2.1 Rev B. This semiconductor device acts as the interface between digital logic and copper cable transmission, for the next generation of automotive networks.
Low-voltage, low-capacitance switches deliver high-speed bidirectional bus switching
Toshiba has launched a family of low-voltage, low-capacitance switches that provide bus switching for applications requiring high-speed bidirectional data transfer. Devices in the new TC7MBL/WBL/SBLxxxxC family will suit a variety of designs requiring high-speed bus switching and isolation including mobile phones, digital cameras, consumer electronics equipment and flat panel displays.
