RF Micro Devices Introduces Modulator for Tetra Systems.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 2001

RF2485 Features Low, Far-Out Noise Floor And Excellent Linearity

RF Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: RFMD), a leading provider of proprietary radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) for wireless communications applications, announced today, at RF & HYPER Europe 2001, the introduction of the RF2485 quadrature modulator for Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) systems.

"This modulator addresses the needs of TETRA base station and handset designers, and is a strong addition to RFMD's family of high-performance modulators," said MaryBeth Healy, marketing manager for digital cellular products at RFMD. "The introduction of this TETRA product is an example of RFMD's continued dedication to providing products for a variety of wireless standards."

Designed for TETRA use in the 200 to 600 MHz band, the RF2485 features a broadband noise floor of -149 dBm/Hz typical at 5 MHz offset along with ACPR of -48 dBc typical at 25 kHz. The RF2485 operates from a single 5V power supply and contains all of the required components to implement the modulation function including differential amplifiers for the baseband inputs, a 90 degree hybrid phase splitter, limiting LO amplifiers, two balanced mixers, a combining amplifier and an output RF amplifier which will drive a 50 ohm load.

Typical applications for the RF2485 include digital and spread spectrum systems; GMSK, QPSK, DQPSK and QAM modulation; private mobile radio and TETRA systems; AM, SSB, DSB modulation and image-reject up-converters.

Manufactured using GaAs MESFET process technology, the RF2485 is offered in a SOIC-14 package. Priced at $2.90 in quantities of 10,000 units, production components will be ready for shipment in March 2001 from RFMD. Samples and fully assembled evaluation boards are available now.

For a complete listing of RFMD(R) 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 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 quarterly operating results, risks associated with the operation of a wafer fabrication facility and the construction of a second facility, the company's ability to manage rapid growth, variability in production yields, the rate of growth and development of wireless markets, dependence on a limited number of customers and dependence on third parties. 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) and RFMD(R) are trademarks of RF Micro Devices, Inc.

For further information about RFMD or the new RF2485, 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.