CoreHW and Presto design 2.4GHz front-end module

  • September 11, 2024
  • Steve Rogerson

Finland-based fabless semiconductor company CoreHW collaborated with Presto Engineering, a French specialist in ASIC design, engineering and production services, to develop a low-power RF 2.4GHz front-end module within a thin wafer-scale package.

This IC (www.corehw.com/products/rf-front-end-ic) is designed for the 2.4GHz communications band, supporting Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread and ISM IoT devices. It includes a high-efficiency power amplifier (PA) for transmission and a low noise amplifier (LNA) for reception. The circuit is packaged in a 2.0 by 2.0 by 0.5mm, 16-pin CSP BGA, with 0.5mm ball pitch, eliminating the need for external matching components. It also has a chip antenna and antenna diversity to boost performance.

The fully integrated product is suitable for PCB modules used in wireless audio, trackers, smart-home devices, access points, gateways, asset management and industrial automation.

“Efficient collaboration with Presto Engineering has led to the successful volume production of our first RF switch component, the CHW1010,” said Antti Rauhala, CoreHW’s vice president of engineering. “Now, the next-generation RF front-end module components are targeted for full qualification in Q4 2024. The collaboration has been seamless, and Presto’s technical team has once again demonstrated their capability to industrialise our IC components for high-volume production.”

Cedric Mayor, CEO of Presto Engineering, added: “The CHW3021 marks our second collaboration with CoreHW, underlying the importance of establishing long-term partnerships to efficiently harness each other’s strengths in ASIC development. Drawing from our extensive experience in industrialising and producing high-volume RF chipsets, we are well-equipped to bring industry best practices to CoreHW. This collaboration ensures a seamless product release to the market.”

CoreHW (www.corehw.com), founded in Finland in 2013, is a fabless semiconductor company specialising in designing chips for wireless technology. Presto Engineering (www.presto-eng.com) is an independent ASIC design and semiconductor device production provider. Presto is headquartered in Meyreuil, France, with operations and a dedicated supply chain across Europe, North America and Asia.