Analog Devices embeds VCOs on GSM/GPRS transceiver chip

Analog Devices embeds VCOs on GSM/GPRS transceiver chip
By Robert Keenan, EE Times
March 13, 2003 (6:56 a.m. EST)
URL: http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20030311S0020

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Analog Devices Inc. is again looking to bring higher levels of integration to the RF front end of mobile phone designs with the release today (March 11) of a new member in its Othello transceiver family.

To be unveiled at next week's CTIA Wireless '03 show, the AD6539 direct-conversion transceiver brings in the local oscillator VCO as well as the transmit VCO, both of which served as off-chip components in previous revisions of the transceiver.

The AD6539 has been optimized specifically for handsets supporting GPRS/GSM functionality. In addition to the integrated VCOs, the chip comes complete with four low noise amplifier inputs, power management circuitry, and a fractional-N phase-locked loop synthesizer.

Analog Devices said it would offer the chip in two versions. The first, dubbed the AD6539L is optimized to work specifically with Analog Devices X-PA family of power amps, which come equipped with integrated power de tectors/controllers. The second version, the AD6539, includes a power control loop, making it a better solution for working with third-party power amps not delivering integrated power control circuitry.

The AD6539 and AD6539L are both sampling now, with production scheduled for mid-2003. Pricing for both products is less than $5 in 10,000-unit quantities.