5G antenna tuning solutions launched

Antenna tuning plays a critical role in maintaining smartphone power efficiency and battery life, particularly as signal processing complexity continues to rise with the onset of 5G. With smartphone manufacturers adding new features such as four by four multiple-in, multiple-out (MIMO) and 5G new radio (NR) for 2019 applications, next-gen architectures must embed significantly more antennas.

New bezel-less smartphones integrate anywhere from four to seven antennas to support future data demand versus the two to four average antenna count within today’s platforms. At the same time, the migration to full screen infinity displays and expanded functionality limit the amount of board space available. Skyworks’ innovative antenna tuning solutions leverage proprietary design and process techniques to help drive antenna performance while meeting stringent linearity demands and size constraints.

Carlos Bori, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Skyworks, stated: “Skyworks is at the forefront of developing breakthrough solutions for revolutionary 5G applications. With best-in-class performance, our antenna tuners are playing a pivotal role in enabling four by four MIMO capable mobile devices as global demand for emerging 5G applications is set to explode.”

The SKY5−9256-701LF advanced aperture tuner features reliable linear operation and low Ron (1.1ohm) and Coff (145fF) to deliver superior antenna performance, allowing system designers to recover the 1.5 to 3dB gain degradation caused by shrinking antenna sizes. The MIPI controlled, 16-state capability of the tuner also gives engineers the ability to combine arms for even smaller Ron and Coff. Excellent harmonics are delivered throughout the operating range, assisting customers with achieving RSE requirements and passing certification.

About other Sky5 solutions

Skyworks is leveraging its vast technology expertise to meet requirements for low, mid, high, and ultra high cellular frequency bands. All Sky5 solutions support new 5G waveforms and spectrum in addition to enhanced carrier aggregation and dual connectivity (4G/5G) while delivering high levels of integration and performance. Sky5 products also offer MIPI interface and are highly flexible featuring customisable architectures that help deliver breakthrough performance, footprint and power efficiency with 100MHz CP-OFDM modulation. 

The portfolio includes:

• SKY5−8250: A 5G NR power amplifier module with integrated filtering and dual path low noise amplifiers (LNA) supporting n77, n78, n79 and B42, B43, B48 bands. This solution also utilises SkyBlue efficiency technology and integrates a dual antenna output.
• SKY5−3728: A 5G NR diversity receive module with integrated filtering and dual path LNAs supporting n77, n78, n79 and B42, B43, B48 bands. The device also integrates antenna switching functionality enabling PCB design flexibility as well as 5G NR SRS hopping support.
• SKY5−5761: A cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) front-end module with Class two power and integrated gain control.
• SKY5−5811: An LAA receive module with integrated bypass LNA and variable gain control.