Amalfi Semiconductor announced the availability of CMOS-based transmit modules for front-end GSM/GPRS cellular handsets. The family of dual- and quad-band GSM/GPRS transmit modules uses a standard CMOS process and proprietary architecture. The modules are targeted primarily at the entry and ultra-low-cost (ULC) product segments in the emerging BRIC markets.

Mobile phone power amplifiers typically use between one-third and 3.5 watts of power during cellular transmission, which represents 30 to 70 percent of the electrical current used by the phone when the user is talking. The lower current consumption resulting from Amalfi’s CMOS-based transmit module enables the cell phone to support longer talk time compared to existing solutions.

Mobile phone manufacturers are then able to use smaller, less expensive batteries, reducing the overall size and bill-of-materials (BOM). Amalfi’s architecture integrates the power amplifier, controller, transmit and receive switch, filtering and all matching components into a 28 mm2 package. The modules are capable of withstanding a 2kV ESD on all pins, including RF pins, making the device less susceptible to ESD damage during manufacturing. The devices are also capable of withstanding 8kV ESD on the antenna port.