ST's new ParaScan™ Tunable Integrated Capacitors (STPTIC) are electrically adjustable to maintain efficient transfer of energy from the handset amplifier to the antenna under various operating conditions. The STPTIC helps maximize radiated RF power for better call performance, overcoming the challenges of use in multiple frequency bands, when the handset is held close to the user's ear or when it is moved away from the head, while minimizing amplifier power consumption for longer battery life.
Unlike alternatives that typically contain multiple switched capacitors, the STPTIC allows capacitance to be adjusted smoothly, without steps, for greater precision. The STPTIC is also smaller, combining a single, variable capacitor with control circuitry using ST's Integrated Passive and Active Device (IPAD™) technology.
"Our latest and most advanced STPTIC family now delivers an even more compelling option for future 4G LTE handsets, which will demand high wireless performance for reliable voice and high-speed data communications with longer battery life," said Ricardo De-Sa-Earp, Group VP and General Manager, Application-Specific Discretes & IPAD Division. "Two of the world's top five handset manufacturers have already chosen this technology for antenna matching in their current handsets."
The STPTIC family announced today use the latest and most advanced generation of ParaScan Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) variable-capacitor technology. These devices meet the demands of wireless system designers by displaying high Q factor(1) at frequencies up to 2.7 GHz, more than 3:1 capacitance change with varying control voltage, and stable performance over the specified temperature range. Devices are easy to design-in, requiring only minimal external components, and have high power capability meeting the requirements of the GSM standard.
Major features of the STPTIC family:
- Range of capacitance values: 2.7 to 8.2 pF
- High power capability (+36 dBm)
- High tuning range (3.5:1)
- High linearity device (IP3 > 60dB)
- High Quality factor (Q factor) up to 2.7 GHz
- Low leakage current (Less than 100 nA)
- Compatible with ST antenna tuning circuit (STHVDAC series)
The STPTIC devices in the 6-pin microDFN and flip-chip packages are sampling now to lead customers direct from ST only, at prices starting at $0.50 and $0.48 respectively for volumes in the range of 1,000 pieces. Alternative pricing options for higher quantities are available on request.
ParaScan™ is a trademark of PARATEK Microwave Inc.
About STMicroelectronics
ST is a global leader in the semiconductor market serving customers across the spectrum of sense and power technologies and multimedia convergence applications. From energy management and savings to trust and data security, from healthcare and wellness to smart consumer devices, in the home, car and office, at work and at play, ST is found everywhere microelectronics make a positive and innovative contribution to people's life. By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.
In 2011, the Company's net revenues were $9.73 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
(1)High Q factor indicates a lower rate of energy loss relative to the energy stored in the capacitor. High-Q capacitors are needed for efficient RF performance. Since both the stored energy and energy lost vary with frequency, Q is also frequency dependent. The typical Q of STPTIC capacitors is 65 at 900 MHz and 45 at 1800 MHz.
STPTIC PR:
http://hugin.info/152740/R/1655403/534895.pdf
STPTIC IMAGE:
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For Press Information Contact: STMicroelectronics Michael Markowitz Director Technical Media Relations +1 781 591 0354 Email Contact
