Occupying only 0.24 cubic centimeters, the new transmitter module includes the antenna switch module, power amplifier, and coupler components as well as an EN61000-compliant electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit in the same unit. Power efficiency improvements contribute to reduced module size and a 20 percent increase in mobile phone talking time. The module’s high integration makes designing an external impedance-matching circuit unnecessary, thereby shortening development time and saving engineering resources.
This collaboration between Mitsubishi Electric and Kyocera effectively showcases key technologies of each company for next-generation cell phones and streamlines the design process for customers, said Bryon Gutow, senior product marketing manager for microwave and RF products at Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. Making external impedance matching circuit design unnecessary means customers can focus resources on activity that will drive their products to market faster. In addition, this dual-band power amplifier further exemplifies Mitsubishi Electric’s design capabilities to meet the need for the higher level of integration that cell phone manufacturers require.
The module leverages technological strengths from each company: Mitsubishi Electric’s module and gallium arsenide (GaAs) HBT(3) MMIC(4) design and manufacturing technologies; and Kyocera’s LTCC(5) and antenna switch module technologies. The module achieves power efficiency improvements on the antenna edge of the module by combining the high-efficiency GaAs HBT MMIC, power amplifier, and the low-loss antenna switch module together and optimizing the design of the coupler and matching circuit. As a result, the module achieves a 43.4 percent efficiency for E-GSM transmissions at 33 dBm 10 percent higher than conventional solutions. DCS transmissions realize a 31.1 percent efficiency at 30 dBm.
The module’s ESD protection circuit can provide electrostatic discharge protection up to +/- 4 Kvolts, which is required by the European Union EN61000 standard.
