RF Micro Devices Announces Revolutionary Direct Conversion Modulator for Multi-Mode Handsets.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

GREENSBORO, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2001

New RF2483 IC Features Very Low Noise,

Eliminating The Need For Filters

RF Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: RFMD), a leading provider of proprietary radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) for wireless communications applications, announced today, the availability of the RF2483, a revolutionary multi-band direct quadrature modulator IC.

Featuring a very low noise floor and the inclusion of gain control, the RF2483 is the first of several products planned by RFMD aimed at fulfilling direct conversion radio architectures.

"The development of the RF2483 represents a significant milestone in realizing cost-effective, multi-mode handsets, base stations and other wireless devices," said Alastair Upton, RFMD(R) director of digital cellular products. "By eliminating all intermediate frequencies, the direct-modulator approach significantly reduces the transmit architecture complexity, allowing for multi-mode, multi-standard operation with virtually no RF filters. The RF2483's very low noise performance enables the designer to eliminate the RF duplex filter, which is critical in reducing power consumption and cost. We plan to incorporate this novel design approach into all our future chip sets, including CDMA, W-CDMA, GSM, TDMA, EDGE and other such combinations," said Upton.

"The key to the RF2483 is its very low noise floor performance of -157 dBm/Hz at 20 MHz offset," said Brent Wilkins, RFMD marketing manager for digital cellular products. "Such a low noise floor allows for the elimination of filters, which results in lower power consumption and savings in both cost and board area. RFMD's proprietary design approach helps achieve an extremely high level of performance, and represents the best-in-class for this type of component."

In addition to low noise, the RF2483 exhibits carrier and sideband suppression, typically greater than 40 dBc at maximum gain, while maintaining 50 MHz input bandwidth and output IP3 of +19 dBm. The device has a 35 dB gain control function, which helps the systems designer manage gain, noise and distortion budgets in the transmit path. Other features include a 2.7V power supply and 700-1000/1700-2200 MHz output frequency range.

The RF2483 is the third product announcement in RFMD's growing portfolio of SiGe HBT products for wireless applications. Samples and fully assembled evaluation boards are available immediately from RFMD. Production quantities will be ready for shipment in the second half of 2001.

For a complete listing of RFMD products and services, refer to the company's Designer's Handbook. Free copies in print or CD-ROM format are available directly from RFMD by calling 336.664.1233, extension 6655, or sending an e-mail request to [e-mail] .

RF Micro Devices, Inc., an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer, designs, develops, manufactures and markets proprietary RFICs for wireless communications applications such as cellular and PCS phones, cordless phones, wireless LANs, wireless local loop handsets, industrial radios, wireless security systems and remote meter readers. The company offers a broad array of products -- including amplifiers, mixers, modulators/demodulators, and single-chip receivers, transmitters and transceivers -- representing a substantial majority of the RFICs required in wireless subscriber equipment. The company's strategy is to focus on wireless markets by offering a broad range of standard and custom-designed RFICs in order to position itself as a "one-stop" solution for its customers' RFIC needs. In the September 4, 2000 issue of FORTUNE magazine, RF Micro Devices was ranked second among FORTUNE's "100 Fastest Growing Companies." RF Micro Devices, Inc. is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol RFMD.

This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to the company's plans, objectives and estimates. The company's business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including fluctuations in operating results and market growth rates, wafer fabrication risks, management of growth and production yield variability. These and other risks, which are described in the company's annual report and other filings with the SEC, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these statements.

RF MICRO DEVICES(R) and RFMD(R) are trademarks of RF Micro Devices, Inc.

For further information about RFMD or the new RF2483, please visit our web site at http://www.rfmd.com .

Product photography available upon request - please contact Angie Finney at 336.664.1233, extension 6652.