EPCOS Releases New GSM Front-End Module

EPCOS AG (Germany) released a new small GSM front-end module based on LTCC. With a footprint of only 4.5 mm × 3.2 mm, it is 30% smaller than previous solutions. Insertion height has been reduced to 1.2 mm by using SAW filters in CSSPlus packages. Switching losses in the send and receive paths have been significantly reduced as well.

The current consumption of the antenna switch is less than 100 µA in contrast with the 10 mA required by previous solutions with PIN diodes. Samples of a triple-band FEM based on this design and measuring 5.4 mm × 4.0 mm × 1.2 mm will be available from early 2005. SAW filters from EPCOS in CSSP3 packages with a footprint of only 1.4 mm × 1.1 mm will be used.