SKY6641x-11 2.4GHz Front-End Modules

Introduction

Skyworks’ SKY6641x-11 family comprises fully integrated 2.4 GHz RF front-end modules (FEMs) for Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee, and Thread designs. The family includes the SKY66411-11 and SKY66415-11, combining several RF signal-chain functions in a compact 9-pin chip-scale package.

Integration of a power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, bypass path, and transmit/receive switching can simplify the RF front end around a single-ended transceiver interface. The modules cover the 2400 MHz to 2483.5 MHz band used by common short-range wireless protocols.

What it does

The SKY6641x-11 FEMs sit between a wireless transceiver and antenna system, providing transmit amplification, receive amplification, bypass operation, and T/R switching within one module.

The SKY66411-11 supports output power up to +10 dBm, while the SKY66415-11 is specified up to +11 dBm. Typical receive-mode noise figure is 2.3 dB for the SKY66411-11 and 2.2 dB for the SKY66415-11. Both versions specify a 2 µs maximum switching time and turn-on time.

The family is intended for low-power equipment, with a typical sleep-mode current of 0.1 µA. Its supply arrangement distinguishes the two variants: VCC1 operates from 1.1 V to 2.0 V on both devices, while VCC2 is specified at 1.7 V to 3.6 V for the SKY66411-11 and 1.7 V to 2.0 V for the SKY66415-11.

Applications

• Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy wireless nodes
• Zigbee and Thread connectivity devices
• Battery-powered IoT endpoints operating in the 2.4 GHz band
• Compact short-range wireless products requiring external RF front-end gain and switching
• Designs using a single-ended transmit/receive interface

Design considerations

• Select the module variant according to the available VCC2 rail and required output-power level. The SKY66411-11 accepts VCC2 up to 3.6 V, whereas the SKY66415-11 VCC2 range ends at 2.0 V.
• The modules use a 9-pin CSP footprint. Both are 1.32 mm × 1.32 mm, with package height specified as 0.381 mm for the SKY66411-11 and 0.35 mm nominal for the SKY66415-11.
• Observe the stated RF-port limits, including +8 dBm maximum transmit input power at the T/R port and +15 dBm maximum receive or bypass input power at the antenna ports.
• The specified operating range is −40 °C to +85 °C. Assembly planning should also account for MSL 1 handling and the stated +260 °C soldering temperature per JEDEC J-STD-020.
• The modules specify 2000 V maximum Human Body Model ESD performance; system-level ESD protection requirements should be assessed separately for the finished product.

Availability and further information

The source/distributor link on this page provides further product information for the SKY6641x-11 family. Consult any datasheet links provided on the page for detailed pin, layout, control, and RF implementation guidance.