RF Micro Devices Introduces First Component in Silicon Germanium Product Line.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

GREENSBORO, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 10, 2000

RFMD Now Offers Six Advanced Process Technologies

RF Micro Devices, Inc., a leading provider of proprietary radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) for wireless communications applications, has introduced the company's first component produced using an advanced silicon germanium process technology (SiGe HBT).

The RF2461 is a CDMA/FM low noise amplifier/mixer 900MHz downconverter -- a complete receiver front-end, providing excellent noise figure and linearity performance for dual-mode CDMA/FM cellular applications.

Process technologies offered by RFMD include three other silicon-based technologies -- Si BJT, Si BiCMOS, Si CMOS -- and two advanced gallium arsenide technologies -- GaAs HBT and GaAs MESFET. The company uses its exclusive Optimum Technology Matching(R) system to pair an application's needs and a customer's specifications to the process technology that delivers maximum performance with economic cost, highest level of integration and lowest power consumption.

"The introduction of this new silicon germanium product represents a significant step in meeting our customers' demands for high performance at low cost", stated Alastair Upton, director of Digital Cellular products at RFMD. "Most CDMA front-ends today use separate components for the LNA and mixer to realize the required performance. The RF2461 meets or exceeds the stringent front-end requirements, at lower cost, all in a compact 4mmx4mm leadless package, that minimizes board area when compared with separate front-end components."

The mature SiGe 5HP process, developed by IBM(R), was chosen for the RF2461 because the technology offers a significant advantage over other silicon processes for receiver front-ends -- offering a reduced noise figure and increased linearity, especially at cellular and PCS frequencies.

The RF2461 offers a 30dB stepped gain control range as it amplifies and downconverts RF signals. Along with digitally-controlled LNA gain, mixer gain and power-down mode, the component features adjustable IIP3 of the LNA and mixer bias current using an off-chip current-setting resistor.

The LNA IIP3 can be digitally controlled between two levels to reduce current draw in CDMA standby and other situations not requiring high IIP3. Noise figure, IP3 and other specifications are compatible with the IS-95 Interim Standard for CDMA cellular communications. "The advantages we see with SiGe, when compared with silicon BiCMOS is higher linearity and a lower noise figure," stated Upton. Typical noise figure of the RF2461 is 1.8dB for the LNA and 5.7dB for the mixer.

Applications for the RF2461 include CDMA/FM cellular systems and general-purpose downconversion for various portable battery-powered equipment applications. The RF2461 is offered in an LPCC-20 4mmx4mm package, priced at $1.87 per unit in order quantities exceeding 10,000 units. RFMD can also provide fully-assembled evaluation boards.

Other RFMD(TM) SiGe products currently in development include dual-band tri-mode LNA mixers for CDMA/TDMA, PCS, W-CDMA and cdma2000 front-ends, as well as modulators, upconverters and driver amplifiers.

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 6652, 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 -- that represents 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. RF Micro Devices, Inc. is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol RFMD.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that relate to the Company's plans, objectives, estimates and goals. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," and "estimates," and variations of such words and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. The Company's business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including probable variability in the Company's quarterly operating results, manufacturing capacity constraints, risks associated with the Company's operation of its current wafer fabrication facility and the construction of an additional facility, dependence on a limited number of customers, variability in production yields, the Company's ability to manage rapid growth, dependence on third parties and risks associated with doing business in Asia and other areas of the world. These and other risks and uncertainties, which are described in more detail in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results and developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any of these forward-looking statements.

RF Micro Devices(R), Optimum Technology Matching(R) and RFMD(TM) are trademarks of RF Micro Devices, Inc. All other tradenames, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

IBM(R) is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

For further information about RFMD or the new RF2461, please visit our home page at http://www.rfmd.com

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