STRATEGY ANALYTICS: RF MEMS for Cellphones Near Readiness; MEMS Varicaps Could Alleviate RF Bottlenecks in W-EDGE Handsets.BOSTON -- In a recent evaluation of RF MEMs Introduction The MEMS acronym stands for Micro-Electromechanical System and is used to refer to components of which sub-millimeter-sized parts need to move for the components to have electronic functionality. technology, the Strategic Technologies Practice at Strategy Analytics has recognized WiSpry's MEMs varicap (variable capacitor) as a practical device that could reduce handset bills of material. This technology evaluation is found in the Strategy Analytics' Insight report, "WiSpry Claims First Practical RF MEMS for Cellphones." WiSpry's first product, a varicap duplexer, scheduled for production release in Q1 2006, is a two-state, tunable notch filter suitable for CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) A method for transmitting simultaneous signals over a shared portion of the spectrum. The foremost application of CDMA is the digital cellular phone technology from QUALCOMM that operates in the 800 MHz band and 1.9 GHz PCS band. and W-CDMA See WCDMA. handsets. WiSpry plans to release other products based on its technology, including RF MEMs switches and Power Amplifier (PA) modules. "While it is difficult to predict WiSpry's ultimate success in the cellular handset market, this company appears to have developed a practical MEMS (micro electromechanical The use of electricity to run moving parts. Disk drives, printers and motors are examples. Electromechanical systems must be designed for the eventual deterioration of moving components that wear over time. The first TVs were electromechanical systems (see video/TV history). systems) device with compelling benefits," according to Chris Taylor, Director of the Strategy Analytics RF and Wireless Components (RFWC RFWC Rock Family Worship Center ) Service. "If it performs as claimed, WiSpry's varicap would reduce the number of passive components needed in handsets and enhance the performance of antenna switch modules (ASMs), PAs, and transceiver modules." "On the other hand, offering complete PA modules seems unwise given the competitive nature of the market, and the dominance of large, established, GaAs and LDMOS LDMOS Laterally Diffused Metal Oxide Semiconductor LDMOS Lateral DMOS LDMOS Lightly-Doped Drain Metal-Oxide Semiconductor LDMOS Lateral Diffusion Mosfet vendors such as RF Micro Devices RF Micro Devices (NASDAQ: RFMD) is a manufacturer of integrated circuits, founded in Greensboro, NC, in 1991 by William J. Pratt, Powell T. Seymour and Jerry D. Neal.[1]. , Skyworks and Renesas Technology," observed Asif Anwar, Director of the Strategy Analytics GaAs service. "Such a move would put WiSpry in direct competition with its customers." About Strategy Analytics Strategy Analytics, Inc. - a global research and consulting firm - provides timely insights and strategic business solutions to companies operating at the convergence of information, communications and entertainment technologies. With worldwide headquarters in Boston, MA. and principal offices in England, France and Germany, Strategy Analytics focuses on market opportunities and challenges in the areas of Automotive Electronics & Multimedia, Digital Consumer, Wireless Strategies and Enabling Technologies. For more information, see www.strategyanalytics.com |
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