Cambridge-based Nujira has launched a new flexible development system that enables energy efficient smartphones for global markets.

Major handset partners have already taken delivery of the new wideband envelope tracking system for characterising energy-efficient power amplifiers for cellular frequency bands worldwide.

Nujira’s VP of sales & marketing Jeremy Hendy said: “With more than 20 frequency bands now allocated for 3G and 4G worldwide, major operators such as Vodafone and China Mobile are specifying that next generation handsets support up to 10 frequency bands.

“Envelope Tracking PAs are set to transform the landscape of PA design in handsets and base stations alike, by addressing multiple frequency bands with a single high efficiency PA that uses less energy than today’s multiple single-band versions.

“Our new Coolteq FDS enables customers to measure the benefits of Envelope Tracking PA performance across all worldwide 3G and 4G frequency bands, using a convenient, highly integrated unit which is dedicated to the task.”

The Nujira solution covers all major cellular bands worldwide, as well as most digital broadcast and military communications frequencies.

The system can be readily configured to support the development of a wide range of transmitters, including 3G/4G smartphones, USB dongles, base stations, digital TV transmitters and military radios.

Using the new FDS, Nujira has demonstrated that a single standard handset PA can deliver 50 per cent efficiency across the 1500 to 2100 MHz frequency band, covering 12 LTE bands with a single PA and halving the energy consumption of the transmitter when compared to traditional DC:DC converters.

Handy said that by enabling broadband, converged PA devices which replace the 5 or 6 single-band PA modules used in today’s smartphones, Envelope Tracking can significantly reduce handset size, cost and power consumption.

• Photograph: Nujira’s FDS enables rapid characterisation of Envelope Tracking Power Amplifiers from 200 to 2700 MHz