Dual-band receiver offers unprecedented levels of monolithic integration
San Diego, California, June 8, 2004 — Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation, a leading supplier of high-performance RF CMOS and mixed-signal communications ICs, today unveiled its PE8510x dual-band receiver core for industrial, military and space applications. Peregrine’s extensive experience in these end-markets enables a proven GPS platform which offers improved dynamic range in harsh environments, ease of implementation and reduced cycle time.
The PE8510x dual-band receiver offers monolithic integration of multiple receivers from antenna in through processed bits out. Specific operational features include:
- Simultaneous operation of two or more complete receivers including VCOs, PLLs, A/Ds and digital processing without mutual interference
- Low voltage and low power, with 3.3 V operation (typ.)
- Fully integrated voltage-controlled oscillators
- On-chip regulators for supply isolation
- Use of digital step attenuators (DSAs) for increased linearity throughout the entire gain control range
Through its proprietary UTSi® RF CMOS silicon-on-sapphire process technology, Peregrine GPS devices enable optimal amplitude and phase-matching between receivers providing high anti-jam capabilities on a single die.
“Digital implementation of the AGC loop provides very accurate control and signal level reporting without calibration tables,” explains Jim Cable, CEO of Peregrine Semiconductor. “The on-chip digital control loop does not require external loop capacitors, nor A/D or D/A conversions, and allows precise control of the bandwidth and hysterisis. Operation of this loop can be dynamically programmed through the baseband digital interface,” he added.
Further on-chip functional integration – including custom integer and fractional-N synthesizers, A/D converters, reference oscillator with external crystal and an interference doubler – results in a dramatic reduction in supporting components and PCB area.
The first-generation PE8510x devices are offered in ceramic or plastic packaging, including the 169-pin 11x11mm BGA package with 0.8mm ball pitch. Customers are encouraged to contact Peregrine Semiconductor San Diego, CA headquarters or one of its global sales locations for detailed technical information on Space/Military and commercial semi-custom product development support and pricing.
About UTSi® RF CMOS Silicon-On-Sapphire (SOS) Technology
UTSi® (Ultra-Thin-Silicon) RF CMOS is a proprietary, patented variation of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. It is the first commercially qualified use of sapphire substrates with high yields and competitive costs. UTSi RF CMOS combines high-performance RF, mixed-signal, passive elements, nonvolatile memory and digital functions on a single device. Significant performance advantages exist over competing mixed-signal processes such as GaAs, SiGe BiCMOS and bulk silicon CMOS in applications where RF performance, low power and integration are paramount. Additionally, because UTSi SOS is fabricated in standard high-volume CMOS facilities, Peregrine products benefit from the fundamental cost effectiveness and high yields, scalability and integration of CMOS, while achieving the performance of SiGe and GaAs. And since sapphire is a near perfect insulator, UTSi SOS products can integrate high-quality passive devices directly into the IC, offering unprecedented levels of RF integration and cost effectiveness.
About Peregrine Semiconductor
Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets high- performance communications ICs for the wireless, broadband cable communications, satellite and defense markets. The Peregrine product portfolio offers unprecedented levels of monolithic integration, afforded by its patented UTSi® RF CMOS silicon-on-sapphire process. The Company, headquartered in San Diego, California; maintains established design centers and operations in Chicago, IL; Aix-en-Provence, France; Sydney, Australia; and Tokyo, Japan. Additional information is available on the web at peregrine-semi.com.
Contact Peregrine’s worldwide distribution partner, Richardson Electronics (NASDAQ: RELL), for sales information at 1-800-737-6937.
###
Peregrine Semiconductor is not affiliated with Peregrine Systems, a software company also based in San Diego, California.
The Peregrine Semiconductor name, logo and UTSi are registered trademarks and Negative Voltage Generator (NVG) is a trademark of Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.