Texas Instruments Inc., ever seeking a new berth for itself in the chip business, has developed a new device to enable handset manufacturers to build smaller systems with fewer components and at lesser costs.
The product, TRF6150, is compliant to both 2.5 and third-generation technologies and will work with UMTS, GPRS and GSM-based handsets.
Its frequency conforms to TI’s Bluetooth and Global Positioning System technologies.
“Direct-conversion radios are the wave for the future for GSM handsets. Texas Instruments’ TRF6150 is riding the crest of that wave,” said Jack Quinn, TI’s president, micrologic research. “With its small footprints, small number of external components and surprisingly low price, the TRF6150 will make possible the production of smaller, lighter and less-expensive GSM and dual-mode UMTS/GSM telephones.”
The device integrates a power amplifier controller and on-chip low dropout regulators and requires two external filters with a single external voltage control oscillator, according to the company.
Texas Instruments believes the new product will reduce RF component costs by 15 percent compared with similar products recently announced and 30 percent compared with those in production today.
“Only TI’s delivers the critical ingredients to enable the highest performance, lowest power solutions for 2, 2.5 and 3G handheld communications environment, including the analog, programmable DSP-based digital baseband, RF and power management,” said Gilles Delfassy, senior vice president for wireless communications unit.
From manufacturers’ point of view, TI believes TRF6150 is easy to design and flexible and it minimizes any need for tuning because it is matched with TI’s analog baseband solutions.
