ON Semiconductor tunable RF components (TRFC)

ON Semiconductor’s family of tunable RF components (TRFC) is designed to aid engineers developing the latest generation smartphones. The devices combine tuning range, RF quality factor (Q) and frequency operation, providing a good solution to existing fixed approaches.

The TCP-30xx family of low insertion loss passive tunable integrated circuits (PTICs) and the TCC-103 PTIC controller IC allow performance to be tuned and optimised to counter lower antenna volume and increased frequency coverage requirements. They also help overcome head- and hand-effect problems.

With a 4:1 tuning range and capacitance values from 1.2 to 8.2 pF, the series is offered in WLCSP and QFN package styles and can be used to replace traditional ‘fixed-match’ devices. It also allow for a more efficient use of the smartphone’s power amplifier to reduce the current drain and help extend handset battery life. A three-times improvement in data rates in marginal coverage areas can be achieved with a significant reduction in dropped or missed calls.

The PTIC Control IC is also available. The TCC-103 is a high-voltage digital-to-analog IC that provides control and bias in a tunable solution and is fully compliant with the timing needs of cellular and other wireless system requirements. The low-power IC features an integrated boost converter with three programmable outputs (up to 24 V) and an interface that allows independent control of multiple tuning elements from a single MIPI/SPI bus element. It is housed in a WLCSP package for stand-alone or module integration.