RF Micro Devices Introduces Silicon Germanium Dual Band Tri-Mode LNA/Mixer.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

CTIA WIRELESS 2001

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 20, 2001

New RF2489 Designed For Dual Band/Tri-Mode CDMA, J-CDMA/GPS And

K-PCS CDMA/GPS Handsets

RF Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: RFMD), a leading provider of proprietary radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) for wireless communications applications, announced today, at CTIA Wireless 2001, the availability of the RF2489 LNA/mixer - a complete dual band, tri-mode receiver front end for the CDMA handset market.

"The RF2489 offers state-of-the-art front end performance for several major markets. Specifically designed for the North American dual band/tri-mode CDMA handset market, the RF2489 has also generated significant interest among the manufacturers of Japanese J-CDMA/GPS and South Korean K-PCS CDMA/GPS handsets," said Michael Coady, marketing manager for digital cellular products at RFMD. "This SiGe front end is extremely versatile with a bypassable divide-by-two prescalar, which allows for a single or dual voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) solution. Handset designers also have the choice of utilizing dual or single output dual band Tx buffers, as well as maintaining control over LNA and mixer bias currents and therefore performance."

The RF2489 contains two LNAs, three mixers, local oscillator (LO) divider circuitry and LO buffer outputs. The device performs all of the front end receive signal processing required for dual band, tri-mode applications. The design of the RF2489 permits the bias currents to be set using off-chip current reference resistors for both the LNA and mixer blocks. The device's design flexibility allows the conversion of received CDMA, AMPS or GPS radio frequency signals to intermediate frequency in dual band, tri-mode (Cellular CDMA, Cellular AMPS, PCS CDMA), dual mode (Cellular CDMA, Cellular AMPS) or PCS platforms.

The RF2489 features 30 dB of stepped LNA/mixer gain control as well as adjustable LNA IIP3 versus bias current. Typical LNA performance for the RF2489:

--Cellular LNA - 15 dB gain, 1.1 dB noise figure, +12.0 dBm IIP3

--PCS LNA - 16 dB gain, 1.3 dB noise figure, +10 dBm IIP3

--GPS LNA - 18 dB gain, 1.2 dB noise figure, -4 dBm IIP3

The RF2489 is manufactured using a SiGe HBT process technology and is offered in a 5x5mm, leadless plastic package. The unit is priced at $2.31 in quantities of 100,000. Samples and fully assembled evaluation boards are available now from RFMD, with production quantities available in the third quarter of 2001.

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 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.

Please visit our web site at http://www.rfmd.com for more information about RFMD or the new RF2489. Product photography available by contacting Angie Finney at 336.664.1233, extension 6652 or by downloading it from our product photography website at http://www.rfmd.com/promo_subpage_frameset.asp?loc=product_photography.