Financial Releases
RFMD(R) Introduces GSM/GPRS Power Amplifier Module for Improved Total Radiated Power (TRP) Performance
The RF3196 power amplifier module includes state-of-the-art power flattening technology, V(BAT) tracking and RFMD's patented PowerStar® technology to provide a complete power control system. The improved TRP and SAR performance of the RF3196 reduces current variation by 50% into non-ideal (3:1) loads (also known as "antenna mismatch"). The RF3196 is pin-for-pin compatible with RFMD's high-volume RF3166 PowerStar power amplifier module, thus providing an easy migration path for customers seeking improved TRP and SAR performance in handsets.
Total radiated power (TRP) is the measure of a mobile device's radiated output power. TRP is a function of the output power of the power amplifier, the antenna's radiation efficiency and the power amplifier's sensitivity to antenna mismatch. Antenna mismatch occurs in all handsets and is more predominant in multi-band "worldphones" because of the increase in the number of bands supported by the antenna. As a result of antenna mismatch, handsets can operate below planned output power, resulting in dropped calls, or above planned output power, resulting in reduced talk time and poor call quality. Improvements in TRP increase network efficiency, network coverage and data throughput rates while also reducing the frequency of dropped calls. RFMD has shipped approximately 20 million power amplifiers to date that reduce variation in output power into mismatched antennas and deliver industry-leading TRP performance.
Konrad Alvarino, general manager of RFMD's Components Business Unit, said, "The RF3196 provides handset manufacturers significant benefits in current consumption in real-world usage environments. This results in improved battery life and talk time as well as reduced thermal dissipation, all of which are key metrics in mobile device development. RFMD will continue to focus on solving our customers' complex RF challenges, as we introduce additional innovative architectures and design techniques that lower costs, ease implementation, reduce size and accelerate time-to-market."
The RF3196 complies fully with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) and is currently available for $1.18 in quantities of 1 million pieces.
About RFMD: RF Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: RFMD) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance radio systems and solutions for applications that drive mobile communications. RFMD's power amplifiers, transmit modules, cellular transceivers and system-on-chip (SoC) solutions enable worldwide mobility, provide enhanced connectivity and support advanced functionality in current- and next-generation mobile handsets, cellular base stations, wireless local area networks (WLANs) and global positioning systems (GPS). Recognized for its diverse portfolio of state-of-the-art semiconductor technologies and vast RF systems expertise, RFMD is a preferred supplier enabling the world's leading mobile device manufacturers to deliver advanced wireless capabilities that satisfy current and future market demands.
Headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., RFMD is an ISO 9001- and ISO 14001-certified manufacturer with worldwide engineering, design, sales and service facilities. RFMD is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol RFMD. For more information, please visit RFMD's web site at www.rfmd.com.
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, representations and contentions and are not historical facts and typically are identified by use of terms such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue" and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. You should be aware that the forward-looking statements included herein represent management's current judgment and expectations, but our actual results, events and performance could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. We do not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements or publicly announce the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements, other than as is required under the federal securities laws. RF Micro Devices' business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including variability in quarterly operating results, the rate of growth and development of wireless markets, risks associated with the operation of our wafer fabrication facilities, molecular beam epitaxy facility, assembly facility and test and tape and reel facilities, our ability to attract and retain skilled personnel and develop leaders, variability in production yields, our ability to reduce costs and improve gross margins by implementing innovative technologies, our ability to bring new products to market, our ability to adjust production capacity in a timely fashion in response to changes in demand for our products, 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 RF Micro Devices' most recent 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.
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SOURCE: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
RFMD
Douglas DeLieto, Vice President, IR, 336-678-5091 or
Brian K. Cockman, Public Relations, 336-678-8945