Transceiver Chipset Set To Tackle GSM, GPRS And EDGE Apps

Representing a highly integrated, triple-band radio for GSM and GPRS applications with EDGE receive capabilities, the Polaris Total Radio transceiver performs all major RF section functions, including transmit and receive, thereby enabling handset OEMs to execute reduced component count and flexible baseband interface designs-while GSM presently accounts for about 650 million subscribers worldwide, derivatives of this leading air interface, such as GPRS and EDGE, are expected, with their higher data rate capabilities, to drive future growth. The highly integrated Polaris transceiver also melds together VCOs, associated loop filters, and many of the power supply bypass capacitors. It also includes a fractional-N-based digital modulator, eliminating the I/Q modulator, phase detector, mixer and loop filters implemented in translational-loop transmitters. The transceiver uses a very low intermediate frequency architecture, allowing IF SAW filters to be eliminated. The three-chip set transceiver includes: the RF2708 SiGe BiCMOS receiver housed in a 5 x 5 mm leadless plastic package; the RF6001 CMOS mixed-signal processor in a 7 x 7 mm leadless plastic package; and the RF3133 GaAs HBT power amplifier, 7 x 10 mm module. The set costs $8.50 each/10K. RF MICRO DEVICES INC., Greensboro, NC. (336) 664-1233.