Analog Devices introduces groundbreaking RF circuits for 4G cellular base stations

     Analog Devices, the world's leading provider of high-performance signal processing solutions, recently introduced a highly integrated RFIC (Radio frequency Integrated circuit) family designed for LTE (Long Term Evolution) and fourth generation (4G) cell base stations. LTE is an enhanced version of the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) standard, which is seen as the ultimate step towards fourth-generation radio frequency technology in cellular networks.

     In today's society, mobile communication has gradually become an indispensable part of human life, and people need to use mobile communication to communicate anytime and anywhere. At the same time, with the rapid growth of the number of mobile phone users and the construction of global wireless infrastructure, it is required that the base station must increase the data stream capacity (cellular capacity), so the integration of RF circuits and costs are put forward higher requirements. To solve the problem of high density integration of RF cards.

     Analog Devices' new ADRF660x series mixers and ADRF670x series modulators enable these high-density RF cards by integrating multiple discrete functional modules into a single device and meeting the demanding performance required for higher capacity base stations. With this unprecedented level of integration, base station manufacturers can significantly reduce board space by 60% and significantly reduce bill of materials costs.

     As mobile operators worldwide evolve to 4G technology, higher density RF cards with small form factors are needed to support the delivery of continuous voice and high data rate services. If the issuance of 3G licenses in China is an exciting opportunity, then China's deployment and research and development of 4G technology will also greatly accelerate the pace of RF integrated circuit product suppliers towards 4G. China has started 4G research and development for 5 years, in order to meet the speed requirements of 4G networks, 4G needs to be at least three times the number of existing base stations.

     For example, Shanghai has launched a scientific research project to develop 4G, and it is expected that nearly a thousand new base stations can be built before the 2010 World Expo. With the current situation of domestic 3G operation, some experts also suggest that China has the possibility of stepping over 3G directly on 4G. Therefore, it can be predicted that 4G will have a huge user market. The evolution and potential demand of the 4G market requires new, highly integrated RF mixers and modulators that enable high-density RF cards to increase the capacity and speed of LTE and 4G base stations. Analog Devices responded to this opportunity with a groundbreaking RF integrated circuit product line for 4G cellular base stations. ADI is committed to innovation in design and looks forward to continuing to serve this rapidly growing and dynamic market.

     "Today's 3G and LTE base stations use many standard discrete RF devices to optimize the performance of the sending and receiving RF signal path, and ADI's new ADRF660x and ADRF670x product families integrate the RF conversion function modules into a single integrated circuit without sacrificing performance." "These new devices use ADI's PLL/VCO synthesizer, mixer and modulator technologies to deliver industry-leading phase noise performance, power consumption and linearity for smaller form factors and higher density macro, micro and pico cell base stations," said Peter Real, vice president of Analog Devices' Linear RF Product Group.