Ethertronics Expands its Reach into the RF Front End with the Introduction of EtherChip 1.0™

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ethertronics, a leading technology company enabling innovative antenna and RF system solutions to deliver the best connected experience, today unveiled EtherChip 1.0™. It is the first in a series of building blocks for RF front-end module chips from the Ethertronics Chip Division to provide more "smarts" to antenna and RF systems. EtherChip 1.0 leverages Ethertronics' Air InteRFace Digital Conditioning™ (AIRFDC™) technology to provide tuning capacitance; seamlessly adjusting the characteristics of a cellular antenna to its dynamic requirements – such as retuning for frequency shift, hand or head effects, or more bandwidth. EtherChip 1.0 is a silicon chip available for immediate integration by OEMs.

Each year, the space available for the RF front end decreases by 25 percent. Soon, the entire front end will need to reside in the space once occupied solely by the antenna. EtherChip 1.0 is a new structure that takes Ethertronics further into the RF system, and is the first step in enabling a smarter AFEM (Antenna Front End Module) for cost-effective, efficient and scalable solutions.

"Consumer demand for the thinnest form factors with large screens and big batteries has challenged the industry to deliver 4G devices that provide a superior user experience," said Laurent Desclos, president and CEO at Ethertronics. "A smarter AFEM is creating a paradigm shift for the RF front end. Ethertronics' expertise in antenna systems, the only wireless sensor within the device, coupled with our deep understanding of RF, has positioned us to further expand our product portfolio into the RF Front End. We are excited to unveil this innovative new solution that adds more smarts to wireless devices within a form factor that will competitively differentiate OEMs for their next-generation 4G and 3G devices."

Through the use of Ethertronics' patent-pending Air InteRFace Digital Conditioning (AIRFDC) technology, EtherChip 1.0 enables characteristics of the antenna and RF performance to be adapted to the environment experienced by the antenna. EtherChip 1.0's advanced design additionally supports the ability to compensate for the detuning of the antenna system due to hand and head effects. This has been recognized as a common phenomenon in all mobile devices. The range of detuning will vary and this solution can adapt to ensure highest performance possible to support high quality voice, video, or data. 

EtherChip 1.0 is a testament to Ethertronics' drive to lead the way in delivering new, innovative solutions that solve tough technical challenges while improving the overall mobile experience. EtherChip 1.0 is the first product in a family of chips that will eventually culminate in a plug-and-play module that integrates the entire front end. It is also the first commercially available product from Ethertronics' Chip Division. The company is additionally comprised of an Antenna Division servicing cell phones, laptops, M2M and DAS customers, as well as a Systems Division focused on active antenna solutions and related algorithms for next-generation 3G and 4G networks. 

About Ethertronics
Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Ethertronics is a technology company enabling innovative antenna and RF system solutions to deliver the best connected experience for operators, OEMs, and consumers. The company – via its Antenna, Systems and Chip Divisions – is established in designing and manufacturing high-performance embedded antenna system solutions supporting a wide range of applications. Ethertronics' patented Isolated Magnetic Dipole™ (IMD) technology has a legacy as a strong foundation for passive, as well as active antennas designs. Ethertronics' technology has been selected by major customers with worldwide annual shipments over 200 million annually. Ethertronics maintains a global network of design centers and manufacturing operations. For more information, visit www.ethertronics.com.

Jessica Levy/Tiffany Trias
Global Results Communications (GRC)
+1.949.608.0276
[email protected]

SOURCE Ethertronics