MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 17, 2016 – Palma Ceia SemiDesignTM (“PCS”), a provider of analog and RF IP for next-generation WiFi and mobile communications, today announced it taped out an 802.11ax analog frontend (AFE) for next next-generation WiFi access points.  The AFE includes analog-to-digital converter (ADC), digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and Baseband PLL (BB-PLL) core IPs designed for manufacture using the TSMC 28HPC process node. 

“Completing the first implementation of this low-power, high-performance analog frontend intended for commercial availability – in record time – establishes Palma Ceia as the market leader for analog and RF IP needed for next generation WiFi chipsets,” said James E. Flowers, co-founder & chief operating officer of Palma Ceia. “This IP, targeted for TSMC’s 28HPC process node and currently on an MPW for silicon verification, is a standard CMOS implementation designed for SoC integration. It features an ultra-low power DAC, high dynamic range ΣΔ ADC, and a low-jitter baseband clock.” 

Specific features of the PCS 802.11ax analog front end:

• The ADC features low signal-swing, 70dB SNDR, support for DPD, and an integrated CIC/decimator, drawing just 8mA from 0.9V and 8.5mA frm 1.25V supplies.

• The current steering DAC features 12-bit resolution and draws just 6mA at 1.25V.

• The PLL features a lock time of 50uS and an outstanding jitter of 0.4pS. 

A follow-on to the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, 802.11ax delivers faster, even gigabit-speed, connections to individual devices rather than simply improving overall network capacity.  This is accomplished by using MIMO (multiple-input-multiple-output) spatial streams, with each stream multiplexed with OFDA (orthogonal frequency division access). Though the focus for 802.11ax deployment is the existing 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz unlicensed bands, additional bands between 1 GHz and 6 GHz may be added as they become available.  Complete ratification of 802.11ax is expected in 2019. 

About Palma Ceia SemiDesign

Palma Ceia SemiDesign, Inc. is a provider of semiconductor IP for next-generation WiFi and mobile communications, targeting analog and RF IP for mixed-signal SoCs. With a focus on emerging standards, PalmaCeia SemiDesign supports the design of high-performance devices for broadband, wireless, medical and automotive applications. Palma Ceia SemiDesign solutions are differentiated by low-power and high-performance designs. Visit Palma Ceia SemiDesign on the web at www.pcsemi.com 

Palma Ceia SemiDesign and the Palma Ceia SemiDesign logo are trademarks of Palma Ceia SemiDesign, Inc., and are protected by trademark laws of the United States and other countries. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

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Milan Lazich
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