RFMD® (NASDAQ: RFMD), a leading provider of proprietary radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) for wireless communications applications, today announced a wireless connectivity platform that enables the integration and coexistence of complementary wireless technologies in mobile phones. The wireless connectivity platform provides a common system architecture for a new family of RFMD wireless connectivity products. The platform expands the capabilities available to mobile phone OEMs by enabling new Bluetooth features while also facilitating the integration of complementary technologies such as Near Field Communication (NFC), GPS, FM radio and wireless LAN (WLAN).
Highlights of the platform include:
Open software framework using a 32 MHz or 64 MHz ARM® RISC microprocessor core with resources available for software customization.
Common software API and development environment to enable efficient integration and porting of new software features and protocol stacks.
Dynamic allocation of memory to allow optimal space sharing between multiple software functions.
Hardware based I/O accelerator to free the ARM® core from repetitive tasks and to enable simultaneous operation of complementary technologies.
Optimized voltage regulation and clocking approach to minimize system overhead in multi-function designs.
Broad host interface support to allow simple hardware migration across a wide range of cellular platforms.
Native hardware and software support for co-existence between wireless technologies.
The highly integrated wireless connectivity platform has been optimized to deliver best-in-class low power operation. The platform uses active power management logic and multiple voltage domains for ultra-low active and standby current consumption.
"To remain competitive, handset vendors are continually seeking ways to cut costs, reduce power consumption and add functionality," said Stuart Carlaw, Principal Analyst, Wireless Connectivity for ABI Research. "Semiconductor companies who can deliver cost-effective solutions with advanced power management and support for multiple connectivity technologies will be the ones who will gain market share."
"RFMD is committed to providing easy-to-integrate solutions to enable our customers' next-generation of wireless mobile devices," said David Favreau, General Manager of RFMD's Wireless Personal Area Networking Product Line. "Our platform approach allows customers to migrate within the product family without a complete redesign of hardware and software."
The wireless connectivity platform enables mobile phone manufacturers to quickly and cost-effectively introduce handsets that include multiple wireless technologies. The platform is the basis of a new family of products starting with the RF4020 System-On-Chip (SoC) for Bluetooth technology.
RF4020 Bluetooth SoC Features
The RF4020 implements all mandatory and optional features of the Bluetooth Version 2.0 + EDR specification with capability to support the upcoming Version 2.1 (Lisbon) specification.
Low power consumption
- 5 µA shut-off current for extended standby capability
- 9mA average current in HV3 audio delivers longer talk time
Small PCB footprint
- Only 8 passives and 1 bandpass filter required for mobile phone integration
- 4.5 mm x 4.5 mm BGA and Wafer Level Chip Scale Package are available
Excellent RF performance
- Exceeds Bluetooth specification for receiver sensitivity by as much as 15dB.
RF4020 Software Development Kit
RFMD provides a Bluetooth Mobile Phone Software Development Kit (SDK) to accelerate customers' product development. The SDK integrates the Bluetooth protocol stack and profiles with a well defined middleware that facilitates porting into the mobile phone platform.
Compact memory footprint and efficient CPU utilization for the host processor.
Simplifies porting to a mobile phone target with easier development and debug environment.
PC-based emulation tool available for simultaneous development of hardware and software.