Silicon technology status and perspectives for multi-band and multi-standard challenges in upcoming RF frontends

The RF frontend of a multi-band multistandard cellular phone is currently realized using a variety of technologies. Integration is the historical rule for cellular phones. Silicon technologies need to address two key blocks, the power amplifier and the antenna switch, to enable this frontend integration. This paper will review the status of the silicon power amplifiers and antenna switches, then offer perspectives on future integration paths.