This results in stronger signal reception, fewer dropped calls, faster data rates, and longer battery life for handset users.
Leveraging ST’s advanced 0.18µm BCD8 process and 0.35mm-pitch flip-chip package, the STHVDAC-253C7 is 50% smaller than its predecessor and consumes half the operating current. In addition, the new controller works with the latest 0402 chip-size inductors and requires no external Schottky diode, thereby reducing the overall circuit footprint even further.
As a high-voltage digital-to-analog converter (DAC) specifically designed to generate bias voltages for tunable capacitors, the STHVDAC-253C7 provides three outputs suitable for tuning three different capacitances in multi-band GSM/WCDMA/LTE handsets. ST has also integrated the boost converter needed to generate bias voltages across the full capacitor-tuning range from 0V to 24V. The STHVDAC-253C7 accepts standard MIPI RFFE (RF Front-End) commands from the system transceiver. Support for three RFFE Unique Slave IDs (USID) allows a single STHVDAC-253C7 to manage up to three separate antennas.
The STHVDAC-253C7 supports commonly used antenna-tuning modes, including Normal mode, which moves to a newly commanded output voltage within 10µs; Turbo mode, optimised for minimum settling time; and Glide mode, with programmable delay from 512µs to 16.84ms for the smoothest transitions and to meet requirements such as 3GPP phase discontinuity. A GPIO pin is provided that can be used for managing two controllers on the same RFFE bus in dual-tuner handsets. It also allows switching between registers to manage antenna-diversity designs or adjust settings to correct the antenna response when a USB cable is plugged in.
Production of the STHVDAC-253C7 is ramping up, in 12-bump 0.35mm-pitch WLCSP flip-chip. Pricing options start from $0.19 for orders of 1,000 pieces, and samples are available immediately to support design and development.
