Transceiver Trends: Ramifications for OEMs and RF Front-ends

Wider band transceivers that have more RF inputs & outputs and no need for external low-noise amplifiers or interstage filters will soon reach the market. These transceivers will support the growing number of bands required for multimode LTE mobile devices, making use of converged transmit architectures and co-banding to help simplify the RF front end. Transceivers in the future will also provide more control of the RF front-end for optimum performance, which will lead to easier-to-use RF front-end platforms for OEMs despite the growing number of bands.

1 Executive Summary
2 Significant Challenges and Trends
2.1 Challenges
2.2 Trends
2.2.1 Bands
2.2.2 Multiband LTE
2.2.3 RF Inputs and Outputs
2.2.4 Support for Drain Modulation
2.2.5 Integration
2.3 Front-End Innovations
2.4 Implications
3 Transceiver Vendors
3.1 Qualcomm
3.2 MediaTek
3.3 Intel
3.4 Spreadtrum
3.5 ST-Ericsson
3.6 Broadcom
3.7 Nvidia
3.8 Renesas Mobile
3.9 Fujitsu Semiconductor
3.10 Altair Semiconductor
3.11 GCT Semiconductor
3.12 Lime Microsystems
3.13 Silicon Motion Technology
3.14 IMEC
3.15 Other Suppliers
4 Appendix: E-UTRA Bands
4.1 Contact the author of this report: