Interchangeable high band low-noise-amplifiers (LNAs) and low band
low-noise-amplifiers (LNAs) and related methods are disclosed that
greatly enhance the efficiency of designing handsets for different
combinations of frequency bands. The input signals to particular pins on
a receiver or transceiver integrated circuit (IC) are swappable such that
multiple frequency bands can be input to the same input pins thereby
allowing for simplified system design. Efficient programmable techniques
are also disclosed for controlling a swap mode within communication ICs.
These interchangeable or band swappable input paths, for example, can be
utilized to allow interchangeability between high band (PCS, DCS) and low
band (GSM, E-GSM) inputs for cellular communications. In this way, for
example, handset manufacturers can build a single printed circuit board
(PCB) that can be utilized for cellular communications in the United
States of America, where 850 MHz (GSM) and 1900 MHz (PCS) bands are
utilized, and in Europe, wherein 900 MHz (E-GSM) and 1800 MHz (DCS) bands
are utilized.