Analog Devices, Inc. announced the company has expanded its radio frequency (RF) product portfolio with an integrated circuit (IC) that can achieve new performance levels for direct quadrature (I&Q) modulation in wireless communications systems operating up to 2.5 GHz. The AD8346 provides superior phase accuracy and amplitude balance needed for direct RF modulation. The high-performance device enables reliable wireless connectivity, thus fewer dropped calls or connections. ADI is now shipping the AD8346 in high volume to leading wireless telecommunications equipment manufacturers for basestation, wireless local loop/smart antenna, satellite and radio link designs supporting PCS, GSM, CDMA and W-CDMA systems.

Quadrature modulation is the most common form of signal modulation used in modern communications systems. GSM and CDMA cellular systems are examples of major market areas using this approach. The AD8346 performs direct RF I&Q modulation in digital transmitters, benefiting designers significantly since an entire IF stage in a transmitter circuit is not required, saving engineers design time, cost and board area.

"The AD8346 direct modulator achieves breakthrough performance using our advanced silicon bipolar process," said John Greichen, Analog Devices' RF/IF Marketing Manager. "Direct modulation accelerates the development and lowers the cost of wireless infrastructure equipment such as basestations and radio links. The AD8346 is one of several new innovative ADI radio frequency ICs to be introduced and builds on the company's expertise and leadership in high-performance analog ICs."

The real surprise to me for this part was the price! The use of direct modulation is, of course, another essential in the complete software radio and this part fits the bill rather nicely. Analog is, of course, also involved with the other parts that are needed (for both the transmit and receive paths), although much can be done in getting little bits done one stage at a time as products progress. Covering the entire spectrum of cellular and ISM channels allows for the part to be readily designed into what could be a universal final product for the complete marketplace. That would put a base station manufacturer into an enviable lead position and would reduce costs dramatically.

With the low price of this part the transition to thinking about software radios for the handset part of the system becomes really possible. There could be some early surprises in this direction.