Smyrna, Ga. — Designed for wireless communication products using CDMA800 technology such as cell phones and laptop computers, Murata Electronics North America''s new ultra-small SAW duplexer series is said to offer several design improvements thanks to sophisticated construction methods and materials. These improvements include a significantly decreased footprint, higher isolation and attenuation, low insertion loss, better reliability and increased power handling.
By upgrading the mounting method of the piezoelectric element from wire bonding to flip-chip construction, Murata was able to reduce the SAW duplexer’s footprint by 52 percent, compared to its predecessors. This new duplexer measures 3.0 x 2.5 x 0.80 mm.
In addition, the SAW duplexer achieves higher isolation characteristics through the optimization of the piezoelectric element materials and the electrode design despite the smaller package size, said the company. Normally, isolation tends to deteriorate in a small package due to coupling between the internal elements, however, Murata addressed this issue by incorporating a new simulation approach and revised structure to gain higher isolation while shrinking the package.
The reliability and power handling attributes are also improved. The reliability increased because of the air-tight design composition and improved thermal shock characteristics (HTS 1000 cycles). Power handling, generally considered difficult to co-exist simultaneously with the downsizing of the piezoelectric elements, was maintained through the improvement of manufacturing methods and materials, said the company. In addition, by incorporating Murata’s high-power film formation process and advanced flip-chip construction, a warranted product life of 50,000 hours under an ambient temperature of 50°C at 1.0 W is now possible.
The RoHS-compliant SAW duplexer series is available for the sample price of $1.00. Delivery is approximately ten to 12 weeks. This duplexer has been mass produced at two million units per month since May 2005 and five million units per month are scheduled for production starting in October 2005.
Murata Electronics North America, 1-770-433-5782, www.murata-northamerica.com
