Voltage Conversion Management

The mobile wireless industry is pushing for phones and PDAs that are smaller, smarter, and more iconic. As operating bands and modes increase, antenna circuitry is challenged to keep pace.

Adaptive RF tuning is what Paratek is all about. The ParaTune family of tunable ICs have the ability to dynamically change capacitance upon a change in bias voltage. This means that the ICs can also change impedance, which helps mobile device antenna circuits perform better than ever. Matching the antenna impedance regardless of the operating situation or band gives handsets the unique ability to 'self-tune!'

Playing a pivotal role in setting and managing the bias voltages is Partek's HV-DAC (PTHV-01044) which is available in packaged (e.g. QFN) form or can be systematically integrated into the electronics within the handset. The HV-DAC basically functions as a voltage converter, by communicating with the internal digital processor through its SPI and then generating specific voltages that drive the tunable ICs.

PTHV-01044 is a four-output HV-DAC that can set and manage the bias voltages for up to four different tunable ICs, as depicted below.

The innovative power management at the heart of PTHV-01044 provides exceptionally rapid transition times on the four independent outputs while keeping power consumption low. The fine-tuning capabilities of Paratek's variable capacitor networks will enable phone and PDA manufacturers (and service providers) to offer a tremendous array of new, data-centric services that will perform flawlessly in a wireless environment.

Paratek has tunable IC evaluation kits available in two forms, with or without the HV-DAC. Kits with the HV-DAC also comprise the necessary power supply and cabling. To request more information about these kits, e-mail us at: support@paratek.com.