RF Micro Devices Begins Shipment of Broadcom 5G Wi-Fi Compatible Chips

RF Micro Devices (RFMD) designs and manufactures high-performance radiofrequency solutions for enhanced connectivity and support for multiple applications for cable television, smart energy and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), wireless infrastructure, wireless local area network, Wi-Fi as well as aerospace and defense markets. The company started shipping production volumes of its power amplification solution compatible with Broadcom’s 5G Wi-Fi chips.

The Broadcom 5G Wi-Fi chips are based on the IEEE 802.11 ac standard. RF Micro Devices developed its RFFM82x5 (2.4GHz) and RFFM85x5 (5GHz) FEM with those chips. By combining the two technologies, a faster throughput and expanded range for better performance was achieved. The company’s Wi-Fi portfolio of front end modules is able to support the BCM4335 5G Wi-Fi reference design of Broadcom’s mobile platforms and the Wi-FI reference design for customer premise equipment solutions with Broadcom’s BCM4360 5G.

"5G WiFi provides faster, more reliable coverage so that consumers can watch video and connect multiple devices to the network simultaneously without issue, all while also preserving battery life. By partnering with RFMD, Broadcom is continuing to drive the adoption of 5G WiFi into a broad range of products and leading the industry transition to this next-generation wireless breakthrough," said Rahul Patel, Broadcom VP, Mobile Wireless Connectivity Combos Group.

The RFFM82x5 and RFFM85x5 provide a broad range of solutions. Some of the features include:

• 2.4Ghz meeting 18.5dBm over 40MHz Bandwidth nominal
• 5GHz meeting 18dBm over 80MHz bandwidth nominal
• An integrated solution with filtering, power detection functions, PA, LNA with bypass and switch
• Linear Power Capability at 1.8 percent EVM and 256QAM modulation
• Industry required footprint of 2.5x2.5mm with 0.4mm maximum height enabling both SIP and Chip-on-Board designs
• Optimized ESD capabilities meeting industry mobile 1Kv HBM requirements

“RFMD is very pleased to partner with Broadcom to deliver superior performance, reliability and value to our mutual customers. RFMD is committed to growing our participation on Broadcom reference designs to help power the world's leading Wi-Fi enabled data devices," said Norm Hilgendorf, president of RFMD's Multi-Market Products Group.