The latest research report from Strategy Analytics, "PA Technology Trends: 2008–2013," notes an increase in the number of firms developing CMOS power amplifiers (PAs) for cellular telephones. The report summarizes efforts by more than 20 firms that will lead to simplified multiband, multi-standard cellular telephone front ends, potentially reducing the cost of cellular telephones. The current share of the PA market for CMOS is small compared to silicon LDMOS and GaAs-based PAs. But the high level of integration made possible by CMOS makes this technology attractive for the PA as well.

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As the author of the report, Chris Taylor explains, "The GaAs PA suppliers have stayed well ahead of CMOS PA firms by responding quickly to market needs, and by developing improved fabrication processes, filters, complex RF switches, and low-cost packaging techniques to put these together in modules. As we foresee the industry roadmap unfolding over the next five years in response to market needs, the GaAs and LDMOS PA suppliers will maintain this lead."

• Strategy Analytics, Inc.
  (www.strategyanalytics.com)

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