STMicroelectronics Announces RF Synthesizer With Integrated VCOs

/17/2007 Geneva, Switzerland -- STMicroelectronics recently unveiled its new RF synthesizer with integrated voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs). ST claims its STW81103 is the first single-chip device that operates up to 5 GHz, meeting the increasing demand of equipment manufacturers for space and cost-efficient solutions in radio applications with frequencies in the microwave range. Among the applications in which these devices may find application are wireless network infrastructures, CATV systems, instrumentation, and test equipment.

Frequency synthesizers form the basis of most radio designs, and their performance largely affects the operation of the overall system. The leading requirements for signal-generating components in today’s communications equipment include minimized phase noise and broadband frequency coverage.

To address these requirements, ST’s STW81103 exhibits strong phase-noise performance for single-chip RF synthesizers, with measured values of 0.27 degrees RMS (Root Mean Square) at 1.16 GHz, 0.6 degrees RMS at 2.33 GHz, and 1.5 degrees RMS at 4.67 GHz with a frequency step of 200 kHz. Outstanding suppression of random frequency fluctuations in a signal provides more design margin, and the low phase noise also satisfies the stringent requirements of system manufacturers for minimized bit-error rates in voice and data transmission.

In addition to broad spectrum coverage of up to 5GHz, the STW81103’s embedded VCOs with automatic center-frequency calibration provide outstanding multi-band functionality. A single device spans frequency bands from 625 to 762.5 MHz, 1087.5 to 1525 MHz, 2175 to 3050 MHz, and 4350 to 5000 MHz, allowing wireless system suppliers to use the device in wideband and multi-band applications. Among competing solutions, ST’s family of integrated RF synthesizers has three devices (STW81101, STW81102, and STW81103) to cover the largest frequency range, from 625 MHz to 5 GHz.

“ST’s unparalleled combination of a world-class RF technology, solid design skills, and leading-edge components results in dramatic savings in material costs and board space, which are the key concerns of wireless equipment manufacturers today,” said Guillaume Pertinant, RF technical marketing manager at ST’s Communication Infrastructure Division. “With the broadest band-coverage in the market, our single-chip synthesizers are set to spearhead the development of cost-efficient applications in the microwave range.”

Pin-to-pin compatible with other members of ST’s STW8110x family, the STW81103 is supplied in VFQFN-28 lead-free packages. Samples are available now, with volume production slated for early Q1 2008.

Customers can order evaluation kits that include the STWPLLSim software.