Design of an LTCC tri-band transceiver module for GPRS mobile applications

This paper presents the design and results of a low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) module for tri-band general packet radio service (GPRS) mobile applications. The proposed transceiver module integrates the tri-band (EGSM900/DCS1800/PCS1900) antenna switch, the surface-acoustic-wave filters for band selection, and a fully integrated tri-band transceiver integrated circuit into one LTCC package. By taking advantages of the three-dimensional layout capability of the LTCC substrate, the embedded circuit elements can be arranged vertically for size reduction. In addition, the utilization of mutual coupling leads to a novel design of miniature lumped-element realization of the transmission line. By combining these miniature passive component designs, the proposed module features a compact size of 13.8 mm × 8.1 mm, with a packaged height of 1.8 mm. The module is compliant with the European Telecommunications Standards Institute regulations for GPRS mobile applications and is currently in use in commercially available mobile phones.