Designers creating antenna switching functions in portables such as cellular phones now have a simplified solution using a new antenna switch control introduced by Motorola. The device replaces a circuit of up to 18 discrete components normally used in GaAs RF switch designs and greatly reduces the overall size, weight and cost of cellular phones.

The new MDC5101 Antenna Switch Control is an integrated solution that is designed specifically to control GaAs RF switches. The device is designed to interface with most HCMOS microcontrollers such as Motorola's MC68338. It combines the functionality of 18 discrete components into one small Micro-8 package. The combination offers enhanced performance with greater efficiency for GaAs RF switch designs.

A part that was just meant to happen! The antenna switching function circuitry on portables has been an absurdity for too long and it is quite amazing that a manufacturer didn't come up with a solution such as this a long time ago. Motorola have, of course, a vested interest of their own in reducing costs in TDM portables but this part should achieve design wins across the board; with its low price tag it is probably not even worth the competition putting the effort into duplicating the results already achieved here -- but someone still will.