- 12 June 2006 -

Axiom Microdevices’ CMOS GSM/GPRS quad band power amplifier

Axiom Microdevices' new AX502 integrates full quad-band GSM/GPRS PA function on a single chip using mainstream CMOS process technology.

”What was previously achieved with ICs manufactured in proprietary GaAs process technology and assembled in complex multi-chip module packaging, now is available in a single CMOS die,” said Donald McClymont, VP of marketing, Axiom Microdevices. “The fact that the AX502 is manufactured in a standard CMOS process introduces the possibility of new levels of integration to cell phones.”

Axiom Microdevices’ patented technology, deployed in the AX502, allows the use of 0.13micron CMOS process technology to integrate all of the functions between transmitter output and transmit/receive switch. The power gain stages, small signal control circuitry and 50ohm matching are all realized on a single die.

The AX502 amplifies low-level RF signals to the required high-power levels needed for transmission in GSM/GPRS mobile phone handsets or data modules. The device supports quad-band (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) operation. The integrated 50?? input and output matching circuitry, enables direct connection to the transceiver output and the transmit/receive switch input without the use of the external matching components. The power level is regulated via a fully integrated closed-loop power controller which ensures that the GSM power/time mask and switching spectrum may be met with adequate margin to allow robust mass production when subjected to a real world cell phone environment, such as highly elevated VSWR and low supply voltage.

The reliability of the AX502 has been proven through thousands of hours of life testing, at accelerated operating conditions, including greater than recommended operating temperature, extended duty cycle, load mismatches of greater than VSWR 10:1 at worst case phase angles, and elevated supply voltages. Samples of the AX502 are available now.

www.axiom-micro.com