Greensboro, N.C. March 8, 2011– RF Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq GS: RFMD), a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance radio frequency components and compound semiconductor technologies, today announced the expansion of its industry-leading 5GHz WiFi product portfolio to include two new 5GHz high-band WiFi front end modules (FEMs) with integrated power amplifiers (PAs). The two new 5GHz FEMs – the RF5506, and the RF5516 — deliver industry-leading high power and high linearity and are optimized for the rapidly growing smartphone and tablet markets.
The global WiFi market is growing rapidly and is forecast to represent a greater than $1 billion total addressable market (TAM) by 2014. Adoption of dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz/5GHz) in handsets is estimated to increase from approximately 25% of all handsets in 2011 to approximately 50% of all handsets in 2012, with increasing emphasis on the 5GHz band for use in 3G/4G smartphones. The anticipated growth in tablet devices is also forecast to support 5GHz FEM adoption, as mobile WiFi chipsets for tablets increasingly adopt dual-band functionality.
To satisfy the growing market demand, RFMD has developed industry-leading FEMs with high levels of integration, small package sizes, and best-in-class linearity performance. RFMD offers a broad portfolio of highly integrated FEMs that include the PA, the switch, filtering, baluns and an optional low noise amplifier (LNA) for both single-band (2.4GHz or 5GHz) and dual- band (2.4GHz/5GHz) operation. RFMD’s WiFi product portfolio also includes discrete PAs, switches and switch/LNA products that support integrated chipset solutions.
Bob Van Buskirk, president of RFMD’s Multi-Market Products Group (MPG), said, “RFMD forecasts the WiFi market will expand significantly as dual-band adoption increases and as volume expands across a variety of end markets, including smartphones, tablets, home automation, WiFi TV, automotive and personal computing. Because carrier requirements continue to demand higher power levels, this is placing an even greater focus on product performance and increasing the reliance on RFMD’s core technology and product development capabilities.”
Samples and production quantities of the RF5506, and RF5516 are available now through RFMD sales representatives and through the RFMD online store at www.rfmd.com. Product brochures are available and can be downloaded from RFMD’s website or by contacting RFMD at 336-664-1233.
About RFMD
RF Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq GS: RFMD) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance semiconductor components. RFMD’s products enable worldwide mobility, provide enhanced connectivity and support advanced functionality in the cellular handset, wireless infrastructure, wireless local area network (WLAN), CATV/broadband and aerospace and defense markets. RFMD is recognized for its diverse portfolio of semiconductor technologies and RF systems expertise and is a preferred supplier to the world’s leading mobile device, customer premises and communications equipment providers.
Headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., RFMD is an ISO 9001- and ISO 14001-certified manufacturer with worldwide engineering, design, sales and service facilities. RFMD is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol RFMD. For more information, please visit RFMD’s web site at www.rfmd.com.
