Single-Chip RF Transceivers Lower Device Count In Cell Phones

Combining receiver, transmitter and synthesizer functions on a single chip, µPC8011 and µPC8013 rf transceivers are designed to replace several separate discrete devices for performing these functions in digital cellular mobile phones based on IS-136 (824 to 894 MHz) and GSM (890 to 960 MHz) standards. In addition to lowering parts counts, the transeivers also help decrease time-to-market and save board space in new cell phone designs. The transceivers' circuitry also includes control logic, with frequency synthesizers, pre-scalers and I/O buffers. By incorporating external filters and a power amplifier and duplexer, the chips are said to provide a comprehensive solution for GSM and the TDMA radio portion of IS-136. The chips operate from a 2.7V to 3.6V supply and feature low power dissipation for longer battery life in end products. In the receive mode, the ICs consume 107 mW at 2.7V. Further power reduction is achieved with special power-down and sleep modes- in sleep mode, power consumption is about 30 mW. The rf transceivers are housed in 100-pin thin quad flat packs (TQFPs). An evaluation board also is available.