Class 1 Bluetooth Radio Eliminates Need For Power Amplifier

The company's first Class 1, long-range Bluetooth radio transceiver, called the PBA31302, requires no additional power amplifier and delivers a software-controlled output from -30 dBm to +17 dBm. The radio requires just a baseband controller, antenna, and a 10 MHz to 20 MHz frequency source to produce a complete system for Class 3 to Class 1 operation. According to the company, no RF design skills are required except for the antenna to build the radio. The device features +11 dBm out-of-band blocking of GSM frequencies, a wide range of system clock frequencies, and an integrated RF shield. Price is $7.25 each in high volume. ERICSSON MICROELECTRONICS, Richardson, TX. (877) 374-2642.