Low-cost high-volume RF products: dream, anticipation, or reality?

The analysis of several important high-volume RF product markets, such as the TVRO business, the more mature cable TV industry, and the cellular communications industry is the focus of this work. A look at the volumes and costs of these products, as well as the RF modules comprising them, help illustrate market demands. The role of various integrated technologies in these and future products, such as wireless cable, direct digital TV and, set-top converters are also discussed. In addition, detailed cost discussions focus on the "trade-offs" between hybrid and monolithic circuits, and Si versus GaAs technology. The remainder of the analysis concentrates on the aspects of designing for low cost production and the prediction of future trends.<>