Permanent store of control bits allows easy configuration
San Diego, California, June 8, 2004 — Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation, a leading supplier of high-performance RF CMOS and mixed-signal communications ICs, today broadened its high-performance integer-N phased locked-loop (PLL) family with the introduction of the PE3341 and PE3342 devices. The new PLLs feature embedded field-programmable EEPROM capable of frequency synthesis up to 2.7 GHz with a speed-grade option to 3.0 GHz. The EEPROM allows designers to permanently store control bits, allowing easy configuration of self-starting synthesizers.
The PE334x devices, operating with 20 mA at 3V, include a ÷10/11 dual modulus prescaler, counters, and a phase comparator. The counter chain operates in high-frequency or prescaler bypass mode. Counter values are programmable through a three-wire serial interface. The PE3341 features a complete charge pump, while the PE3342 utilizes phase-frequency detector (PD) outputs which making it easier to scale to higher tuning voltages. The PD outputs generate up and down frequency control signals and are also used to enable a lock detect circuit.
“UTSi® RF CMOS Silicon-on-Sapphire technology enables the unique ability to monolithically integrate EEPROM with our standard PLL core,” said Rodd Novak, director of marketing and business development. “This feature effectively eliminates a microcontroller from our customers’ bill of materials, simplifies design and lowers total cost,” he added.
The PE3341 and PE3342 devices are available in 24-lead TSSOP or 20-lead 4x4mm QFN package and are the newest members of Peregrine’s extensive PLL family. Peregrine also offers space-qualified PLLs with embedded EEPROM as the PE9721 and PE9722 devices in a 24-lead CFPG package. Product samples, unit pricing and volume production are available now through Peregrine Semiconductor and its worldwide distribution partner, Richardson Electronics.
About UTSi® RF CMOS Silicon-On-Sapphire (SOS) Technology
UTSi® (Ultra-Thin-Silicon) RF CMOS is a proprietary, patented variation of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. It is the first commercially qualified use of sapphire substrates with high yields and competitive costs. UTSi CMOS combines high-performance RF, mixed-signal, passive elements, nonvolatile memory and digital functions on a single device. Significant performance advantages exist over competing mixed-signal processes such as GaAs, SiGe BiCMOS and bulk silicon CMOS in applications where RF performance, low power and integration are paramount. Additionally, because UTSi SOS is fabricated in standard high-volume CMOS facilities, Peregrine products benefit from the fundamental cost effectiveness and high yields, scalability and integration of CMOS, while achieving the performance of SiGe and GaAs. And since sapphire is a near perfect insulator, UTSi SOS products can integrate high-quality passive devices directly into the IC, offering unprecedented levels of RF integration and cost effectiveness.
About Peregrine Semiconductor
Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets high-performance communications ICs for the wireless, broadband cable communications, satellite and defense markets. The Peregrine product portfolio offers unprecedented levels of monolithic integration, afforded by its patented UTSi® RF CMOS silicon-on-sapphire process. The Company, headquartered in San Diego, California; maintains established design centers and operations in Chicago, IL; Aix-en- Provence, France; Sydney, Australia; and Tokyo, Japan. Additional information is available on the web at peregrine-semi.com. Contact Peregrine’s worldwide distribution partner, Richardson Electronics (NASDAQ: RELL), for sales information at 1-800-737-6937.
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Peregrine Semiconductor is not affiliated with Peregrine Systems, a software company also based in San Diego, California.The Peregrine Semiconductor name, logo and UTSi are registered trademarks and Negative Voltage Generator (NVG) is a trademark of Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.