September 16 2008 –San Diego, CA  IQ Analog now brings to market an industry first: an 8-channel, low power, high-performance Analog Front End Integrated Circuit (IC) for multi-channel applications such as MIMO radios.

After three years of development, IQ Analog announces the arrival of the IQA-F430 Octal Analog Front End, ushering in the next generation mixed signal front end platform for wireless and communication applications. According to Mike Kappes, President & CEO of IQ Analog, the IQA-F430 Octal AFE makes real the promise of integrating multiple discrete AFE devices into a single, cost effective and low power solution. 

 “IQ Analog is uniquely positioned to now offer multi-channel integration within low cost packaging constraints…we immediately address the wireless infrastructure market with  a single IC that replaces the multi-chip solutions in use today…..” stated Kappes. As an example, Kappes points out that a typical MIMO configuration would consist of up to 4 x 2 channel AFEs; this configuration is replaced with just a single, 8 channel IC chip from IQ Analog.  In this system solution, not only is cost mitigated by the F430, but power consumption is radically minimized. IQ Analog’s F430 measures at 30mW per channel versus 300mW per channel for existing market offerings. Another hallmark of IQ Analog mixed signal technology; phenomenally small die size. The 8 way F430 is 16mm2, about 40% the size of comparable 2 channel AFEs.

The IQA F430 AFE is characterized by 8 independent 12-bit 80-Msps analog-to-digital converters (ADC’s) and 8 independent 12-bit 20-MHz bandwidth digital-to-analog converters (DAC’s) for the main signal paths and 8 auxiliary 12-bit 300-Ksps ADC’s and 8 auxiliary 12-bit 300-Ksps DAC’s for ancillary functions. The F430 is currently fabricated in a 130nm CMOS process; Kappes and his team plan to move to 65nm before the end of 2008.

About IQ Analog
IQ Analog is a privately held fabless semiconductor company headquartered in San Diego, CA. The company was founded by industry veterans who previously led engineering efforts at leading SoC companies including Broadcom, Conexant, Innovent, and Brooktree. In addition to its newly released IC product family, the company offers analog interface components including a range of Analog Digital Converters and integrated Analog Front Ends in 180nm /130nm/90nm/65nm. IQ Analog provides world class design and customization services to support its IP portfolio. For more information, visit www.iqanalog.com or contact info@iqanalog.com.