Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. has recently commenced sample shipment of “TPM-2606P2” all-in-one Radio Frequency (RF) modules for Long Term Evolution (LTE) base station for small cells. These modules are expected to dramatically shorten LTE base station development and production periods.

With the recent spread of smartphones and other mobile devices, mobile phone system traffic is increasing dramatically. As a promising means for coping with the above situation, operators have started to use small cells that can exclusively cover small areas where traffic is concentrated. Sumitomo Electric has developed an all-in-one RF module that can be used in a LTE base station for a small cell, on the basis of the technology for the remote radio heads*1 that have already been commercialized. The company has started sample shipment of the new RF module.

The all-in-one RF module “TPM-2606P2,” is intended for use in a 2.6 GHz-band TD-LTE*2 base station which will become widely used in future. All RF circuits (transmitter amplifier, receiver amplifier and transmitter/receiver switch) essential to construct a base station are compactly modularized. Use of the new RF module will dramatically shorten base station development and production periods and simplify the introduction of small cells.

【Advantages of Sumitomo Electric all-in-one RF module “TPM 2606P2”】

1．Transmitter amplifier

The Doherty-type amplifier*3 used in the amplifier enhances the power utilization efficiency to 40% or more (when outputting 6 W LTE signals).

2．Receiver amplifier

The balanced amplifier*4 used in the amplifier achieves low-noise, high input power tolerance together with low reflectance properties of the antenna port.

3．Transceiver/receiver switch

A combination with a circulator*5 lowers switching loss and application power, thereby enhancing the switching reliability.

4．Distortion compensation circuit

The new RF module comprises a circuit that can compensate for distortion that occurs in the transmitter amplifier, thereby eliminating the necessity for additionally installing an expensive distortion compensation circuit outside the module. This module design also frees the production department in charge from such problems as non-compliance of the combination of the amplifier and distortion compensation circuit with the applicable standards.

In addition to this RF module, the company is advancing the development of RF modules for 2.6 GHz band FDD-LTE*6 and 3.5 GHz band TD-LTE. Different transmission powers and frequencies are available on request. For further information, please contact us.

【Principal specifications】

Item	Specification	Remarks
Frequency	2,496–2,690 MHz	3 GPP standard band 41
<Transmitter>
Saturation output power	45 dBm min.	When measured at antenna port
Transmission gain	Within 50 ± 2.0 dB
Adjacent channel leakage power Ratio	-47.0 dBc max.	When outputting 6 W LTE signals (PAPR = 7 dB)
<Receiver>
Receiving gain	Within 20 ± 2.0 dB
Noise figure	2.5 dB max.
Input IP3	0 dBm min.
<Others>
Operating temperature range	-33 to +85°C	Base plate temperature
Power consumption	23 W max.	When transmission percentage is 80%
Outside dimensions	17 mm (H) ×143 mm (W) × 103 mm (D)

【Functional block diagram】

【External appearance】