Skyworks unveils first high-efficiency LAA/LTE-U solution for small cells

Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA (which manufactures analog and mixed-signal semiconductors) has expanded its portfolio of small-cell solutions by adding the SKY66288-11, a new compact (5mm x 5mm) high-efficiency 4W-peak power amplifier with high gain, targeting License Assisted Access (LAA) and LTE unlicensed (LTE-U) spectrum for LTE-Advanced base stations.

With leading wireless carriers and telecoms manufacturers transitioning from 4G to 5G networks and deploying new equipment, there is an increasing demand for efficient, highly integrated system architectures to support emerging requirements, says Skyworks. The firm claims that the new devices offer four times higher efficiency than competing products on the market and enable small cells to easily meet Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) standards. When combined with the pin-to-pin compatible SKY6629x small-cell product family, Skyworks can support all 3GPP bands. Analog Devices Inc of Norwood, MA, USA is leveraging the new power amplifier family for its AD9375 small-cell radio reference design with integrated digital pre-distortion, offering a single platform with what is claimed to be the highest efficiency and linearity available in the industry. “

“We are addressing challenging infrastructure performance requirements for next generation networks,” says Skyworks’ VP of marketing John O’Neill. “At a higher level, Skyworks is driving connectivity across diverse applications within the wireless ecosystem.”

According to an estimate from Small Cell Forum, small-cell shipments are expected to more than double from a base of 3.8 million units in 2016 to 7.8 million units by 2020, creating a $6bn market segment.

Skyworks is showcasing its broad markets solutions in booth 1331 at the IEEE MTT International Microwave Symposium (IMS 2017) in Honolulu, Hawaii (4-9 June)