- 9 March 2006 -

TriQuint shrinks SAW filters for GSM & CDMA

TriQuint Semiconductor Inc introduced a family of GSM and CDMA handset SAW filters in a new, smaller size: 1.4x1.2x0.5mm3 for next-generation handset designs. They are 40% smaller than the 2x1.4mm filters manufacturers typically use allowing phone designers to free-up circuit board space for new mobile device features and functionality.

The new products represent a breakthrough in size reduction while maintaining excellent electrical performance, reliability and cost, it says. When TriQuint reduced the size of its GSM and CDMA handset SAWs, it collaborated with major transceiver partners, resulting in products that achieve optimal system level performance as measured by these key marketplace constituents.

"These new designs represent another step forward as TriQuint offers a total RF front-end solution for advanced phone designs, giving manufacturers a choice between discrete (individual) or modular (multi-component) products. The new CDMA and GSM SAWs are the smallest available, requiring far less phone board space than the previous generation while still offering exceptional performance," said Danny King, TriQuint Product Marketing Manager.

Discussing the new products' performance, King remarked that insertion loss for RF SAW filters directly affects the overall receiver noise figure (a ratio of the thermal noise power measured at output to that at the input point. Noise figures must be minimized to enhance signal clarity). The handset's overall noise figure is considered one of most critical system level performance measures that phone manufacturers specify in their designs. Phone designers consider the insertion loss of TriQuint's 1.4x1.2mm RF SAW filters among the best available today, he added.

TriQuint's newest 1.4x1.2mm handset SAW filter family uses the same reliable processes and equipment as first- and second-generation chip scale package SAW filters. TriQuint is the only SAW supplier maintaining hermeticity in its products today.

Hermeticity involves sealing the SAW die inside a ceramic package so that sensitive circuitry is protected from environmental corrosion. Air inside the device is also replaced with inert nitrogen to further ward-off corrosion. It is extremely important for SAW filters because the transducers are made of nm-thick metal on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate. If moisture comes in contact with transducers the product becomes susceptible to corrosion over time and reliability of the SAW filter can be put at risk.

"TriQuint never compromises quality while it continues to reduce the size and cost of its SAW filters. The company's processes and quality standards allow TriQuint to consistently provide high-quality products to its customers," said King.

Cost-effectiveness of TriQuint's new 1.4x1.2mm GSM and CDMA SAW filter line is further enhanced through the lower package cost of smaller CSP products combined with higher die count per wafer achieved when building smaller products. Because TriQuint's new generation of GSM and CDMA filters are produced using existing assembly equipment there is no additional overhead costs to be passed along that are typically associated with dramatic size reductions. These savings can enable designers to further lower the overall production budget of a given design.

The 1.4x1.2mm family of GSM and CDMA SAW filters is in full production today. TriQuint also offers dual SAW filters in 2.0x1.5mm packages. Dual SAW filters offer further cost and size reduction advantages compared to discrete filter solutions. They are offered in 900/1800 MHz and 850/1900 MHz combinations and are perfect for the emerging ultra low-cost, dual-band handset market.

Samples of TriQuint's new GSM and CDMA 1.4x1.2mm SAW filters are currently available.

Web: http://www.triquint.com