First Single-chip Quad-Band GSM/GPRS Transceiver

Berkana Wireless, a provider of CMOS RF solutions for wireless connectivity, has announced what it says is the world's first true single-chip quad-band GSM/GPRS RF transceiver. Samples of the BKW9044 have already been delivered to lead customers and partners.

The BKW9044 is the first single-chip GSM/GPRS RF transceiver to have four complete integrated Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) supporting all four worldwide GSM bands: 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.8 GHz and 1.9 GHz. As a result, both the bill of materials (BOM) and the PCB space are significantly reduced, and the RF performance is optimized for the radio subsystem in a quad-band GSM/GPRS mobile terminal. The BKW9044 is fabricated in a mature, cost-effective CMOS process and utilizes Berkana's proprietary RF CMOS technology.

"The combination of the level of integration along with the RF performance of the BKW9044 true single-chip quad-band transceiver is a compelling value proposition for our customers," said Sam Nakib, VP of Worldwide Sales and Business Development at Berkana. "Digital CMOS is the most cost effective semiconductor technology and our customers recognize that," he added.

The BKW9044 is a highly integrated device implementing a complete RF-to-baseband transceiver for quad-band GSM/GPRS cellular handset and wireless data modem applications. The transceiver is fully compatible with all major baseband platforms. It incorporates the complete transmitter, receiver, synthesizer and baseband interface functionality on a single monolithic IC. All but the power amplifier and standard receive bandpass SAW filters are integrated on-chip. The device requires only standard decoupling capacitors to implement a complete GSM/GPRS Class 12 transceiver. No external LC filters, transmit filters, transmit baluns, IF SAW filters, or VCO modules are required.

The fully standard compliant receive section consists of differential input LNAs, mixers, and programmable-gain IF filter stages. Very low noise figures are achieved over the four bands for exceptional receive sensitivity. The transmit section provides superior performance, while maintaining low out-of-band spurs and out-of-band phase noise. The high-performance integrated RF synthesizer, which uses Berkana's patented ultra-low-phase noise, fully-on-chip CMOS VCO technology, reduces system cost and improves system reliability substantially."

Posted to the site on 14th January 2004