Skyworks unveils new SkyOne WiFi family of front-end modules

Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA (which manufactures analog and mixed-signal semiconductors) has introduced a new family of highly integrated wireless networking solutions for mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems.

The new SkyOne WiFi suite combines Skyworks’ integration expertise and 802.11ac technology to provide a comprehensive front-end module in a single-placement, compact footprint. Specifically, the new products incorporate all key radio frequency blocks between the Wi-Fi system-on-chip (SOC) and the antenna, unburdening customers of complex RF design challenges, while reducing time to market, the firm claims. The platform is said to significantly improve Wi-Fi system performance compared with other standard SOC platforms and further mitigates interference with other radios, extending range and increasing throughput.

The SKY85812-11, the first in the SkyOne WiFi series of products, is currently available for sampling and production (and already shipping in flagship platforms globally with a top-tier smartphone OEM).

“Today’s mobile and IoT devices are now supporting up to 20 bands and require both seamless and robust Wi-Fi functionality to meet growing requirements from carrier offload, voice over IP and other bandwidth-intensive applications,” says David Stasey, general manager & VP of Diversified Analog Solutions at Skyworks. “Building upon our highly successful SkyOne cellular platforms, Skyworks is now pleased to offer Wi-Fi solutions that deliver optimum levels of integration and performance,” he adds.

According to ABI Research, more than 20 billion Wi-Fi chipsets are expected to be shipped between 2016 and 2021, particularly as Wi-Fi solutions expand beyond their traditional usage applications, frequency bands, device types and performance requirements. They also expect more than 95% of devices shipped in 2021 to support 5GHz Wi-Fi, signifying increased spectrum sharing with cellular technologies.

The SKY85812-11 is a dual-band front-end module incorporating a 5GHz bypass low-noise amplifier with single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) transmit/receive switch and a 2.4GHz bypass low-noise amplifier with single-pole, triple-throw (SP3T) switch with Bluetooth port that allows for Wi-Fi antenna sharing. The SKY85812-11 also includes a 2GHz LTE coexistence filter and diplexer – all designed into a compact, 16-pin 3mm x 3mm package.