Microchip Unveils SST12LF03 RF Front-End Module for WLAN IEEE 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth
Microchip Technology introduced their SST12LF03 RF front-end module for WLAN IEEE 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth systems. The SST12LF03 includes a transmitter power amplifier, a receiver low-noise amplifier (LNA) and a low-loss antenna switch — in one integrated, compact package. The high level of integration simplifies board design and extends the range of wireless systems. It is ideal for WLAN/BT embedded applications where small size and high performance are required. The new Microchip device is available in a 20-pin, 3mm x 3mm UQFN package for $0.61 each (10,000-unit quantities). Samples and volume-production quantities are available now.
Low-Cost Android Smartphones to Account for 80% of Market in Some Areas
According to a NPD In-Stat research report, Less is More: The Worldwide Emergence of Low-Cost Android Smartphones, low-cost Android handsets will reach a penetration rate of 80% of total smartphones in Africa, India, and China by 2015. Low-cost Android will flourish in these emerging areas. However, it will face heavy competition in some regions. Samsung has bada, and Nokia is developing Meltemi. In addition, Microsoft has stated that it wants to sell Windows Phone in developing regions as well and could aggressively lower prices to gain market share.
Texas Instruments Introduces WiLink 8.0 Five-in-One Radio Chip
Texas Instruments launched their WiLink 8.0 product family. WiLink is a collection of 45-nanometer single-chip solutions that integrate up to five different radios. The WiLink 8.0 architecture supports various combinations of mobile Wi-Fi, GNSS, NFC, Bluetooth and FM transmit/receive. TI’s five-in-one radio chip enables customized solutions to address the unique needs and price points of all mobile markets. WiLink 8.0 solutions are sampling now to top-tier mobile OEMs. Products with WiLink 8.0 solutions inside are expected to ship in the second half of 2012.
Connected Device Market to Grow to 1.34 Billion Units in 2016
Connected consumer electronics devices, which have the ability to connect directly to the Internet or to a home network and can deliver IP-based video content, will continue to grow rapidly. According to a research report by NPD In-Stat (The Global Market for Connected and Smart CE Devices), the connected device installed base will grow from 256.8 million units in 2011 to 1.34 billion units in 2016.
Texas Instruments TRPGR30TGC and TRPGP40TGC RFID Mini-Transponders
Texas Instruments introduced the TRPGR30TGC and TRPGP40TGC glass encapsulated mini-transponders. The TI devices are the industry’s smallest half-duplex radio frequency identification mini-transponders. The Texas Instruments RFID mini-transponders enable engineers to embed tags into smaller objects across a broader range of applications. The mini-transponders are durable enough for use in applications including tool, medical instrument, package and inventory tracking and safe enough for use in fish and livestock tracking and pet identification. The chips can work for up to 30 years. The TRPGR30TGC and TRPGP40TGC mini-transponders are can be ordered now. The devices are priced at USD $2.90 for 1k units.
iPhone Ranked First in Q4, but Samsung Smartphones Finished First in 2011
Global smartphone shipments grew to a record 155 million units in the fourth quarter of 2011. According to Strategy Analytics, Apple reclaimed the top position as the world’s number one smartphone vendor with a 24% marketshare during the fourth quarter. Apple’s global smartphone shipments surged 128% annually to 37.0 million units. However, Samsung became the market leader in annual terms with a 29.9% global share in 2011. Apple was a close second with 19.0%. Nokia finished third and saw its share dropped in half to 16% in 2011 from 33% in 2010.
Android Accounts for 39% of Tablets Sold
Global tablet shipments grew to 26.8 million units in the fourth quarter of 2011. This is an all time-high and a 150% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2010 (10.7 million units). According to Strategy Analytics, Apple iOS remains strong at 58% (15.4 million iPads). However, Android now accounts for 39% of tablets sold (29% a year earlier). Strategy Analytics expects demand for tablets among consumer, business and education users to remain strong.
Mindspeed Acquires Picochip for $51.8 Million Plus $25 Million Potential Earnout Payment
Mindspeed Technologies will acquire Picochip Limited for about $51.8 million. In addition, there is a potential earnout payment of up to $25 million payable in the first calendar quarter of 2013. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of Mindspeed and Picochip. The acquisition is subject to certain closing conditions, and is expected to close in the first calendar quarter of 2012. Picochip is a supplier of integrated system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for small cell base stations.
Q3 2011 Smartphone Applications Processor Revenues Grew to $2.24 Billion
According to Strategy Analytics, the global smartphone applications processor market grew to $2.24 billion in the third quarter of this year (Q3 2011). This is a 59% year-on-year growth. Qualcomm ranked first in the smartphone applications processor market with 49% of revenue share in the last quarter. Thanks to the ramp up of its Android business, Broadcom finally broke into the top-five vendor list for smartphone applications processors in the third quarter.
Laird Receives Patent for Multiple Antenna Multiplexers, Demultiplexers and Antenna Assemblies
Laird Technologies was awarded a patent by the U.S. Patent Office. A patent was issued for work with multiple antenna multiplexers, demultiplexers and antenna assemblies. The technology reduces the number of cables required in a long cable harness (mostly in the OEM automotive market). The technology can also be used in tandem with a demultiplexer of the same nature to separate the combined signals into multiple receivers. It reduces cost by reducing the number of cables required.
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