Date: 15/04/2012

Antenna-sharing IC from STMicroelectronics for 4G phones

STMicroelectronics has revealed a new IC called DIP1524, an antenna-sharing IC made using ST's Integrated Passive Device (IPD) technology for 4G smartphones. It is essential in 4G for single antenna generate EM waves for multiple standards such as Wi-Fi, 3G, WiMAX, and 4G

This diplexer IC DIP1524 is capable of delivering high signal strength to several RF receivers simultaneously.

Its 4-bump flip-chip package has a footprint the same size as the chip itself, thereby occupying 65% less pc-board area than competing devices in conventional packages with a total footprint larger than 3 mm2, claims ST. The DIP1524 enables handset designers to connect receivers for GPS/GLONASS satellites, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and LTE band 7 to the same antenna.

Major features of DIP1524:
GPS insertion loss: 0.65 dB (max.)
GLONASS insertion loss: 0.75 dB (max.)
Zero performance drift
High channel isolation
No value dispersion between components

The DIP1524-01D3 is sampling now and will be available in high volumes priced from $0.129 for orders over 1000 pieces.