DATA SHEET
SKY77518-21 TX–RX iPAC™ FEM for Dual-Band GSM/GPRS
Applications
Description
The SKY77518-21 is a transmit and receive front-end module (FEM) with Integrated Power
Amplifier Control (iPAC™) for dual-band cellular handsets comprising GSM900 and DCS1800
operation. Designed in a low profile, compact form factor, the SKY77518-21 offers a complete
Transmit VCO-to-Antenna and Antenna-to-Receive SAW filter solution. The FEM also supports
Class 12 General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) multi-slot operation.
• Dual-band cellular handsets
encompassing
- Class 4 GSM900
- DCS1800
- Class 12 GPRS multi-slot
operation
The module consists of a GSM900 PA block and a DCS1800 PA block, impedance-matching
circuitry for 50 Ω input and output impedances, TX harmonics filtering, high linearity and low
insertion loss PHEMT RF switches, diplexer and a Power Amplifier Control (PAC) block with
internal current sense resistor. A custom BiCMOS integrated circuit provides the internal PAC
function and decoder circuitry to control the RF switches. The two Heterojunction Bipolar
Transistor (HBT) PA blocks are fabricated onto a single Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) die. One PA
block supports the GSM900 band and the other PA block supports the DCS1800 band. Both PA
blocks share common power supply pads to distribute current. The output of each PA block
and the outputs to the two receive pads are connected to the antenna pad through PHEMT RF
switches and a diplexer. The GaAs die, PHEMT die, Silicon (Si) die and passive components are
mounted on a multi-layer laminate substrate. The assembly is encapsulated with plastic
overmold.
Features
• High efficiency
- GSM900 48%
- DCS 41%
• Low transmit supply current
- GSM900 1.26 A
- DCS1800 0.9 A
• Internal ICC sense resistor for iPAC
• Closed loop iPAC
Band selection and control of transmit and receive modes are performed using two external
control pads. Refer to the functional block diagram in Figure 1 below. The band select pad (BS)
selects between GSM and DCS modes of operation. The transmit enable (TX_EN) pad controls
receive or transmit mode of the respective RF switch (TX = logic 1). Proper timing between
transmit enable (TX_EN) and Analog Power Control (VRAMP) allows for high isolation between
the antenna and TX-VCO while the VCO is being tuned prior to the transmit burst.
• 50 Ω matched Input/Output
• TX–VCO-to-antenna and antenna-
to-RX-SAW filter RF interface
• TX harmonics below –33 dBm
• PHEMT RF switches afford high
linearity, low insertion loss, and
less than 20 μA supply current in
receive modes
The SKY77518-21 is compatible with logic levels from 1.2 V to VCC for BS and TX_EN pads,
depending on the level applied to the VLOGIC pad. This feature provides additional flexibility for
the designer in the selection of FEM interface control logic.
• Small outline: 6 mm x 8 mm
• Low profile: 1.2 mm
• Compatible with multiple logic
families
• Low APC current: 25 μA
Figure 1. Functional Block Diagram
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. • Phone [781] 376-3000 • Fax [781] 376-3100 • sales@skyworksinc.com • www.skyworksinc.com
200786A • Skyworks Proprietary and Confidential Information • Products and Product Information are Subject to Change Without Notice. • November 6, 2007
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