Skyworks Solutions Inc. SKY85308-11

Overview

The Skyworks Solutions SKY85308-11 is a compact 2.4 GHz RF front-end module for 802.11ac and WLAN applications. It is described as a 17 dBm front-end module and integrates RF front-end functions used around a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi transceiver, helping reduce external RF component count in space-constrained wireless designs.

For engineers reviewing the SKY85308-11 datasheet, SKY85308-11 application, SKY85308-11 package, or SKY85308-11 equivalent, the device should be treated as a legacy WLAN front-end module in a 16-QFN 2.3 mm × 2.3 mm package. SKY85308-11 is listed as obsolete in major distribution channels, and Skyworks issued a product-discontinuation notice with last-time-buy and final shipment dates, so replacement planning should consider both RF performance and long-term supply risk.

Technical Context

SKY85308-11 is intended for 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi front-end placement between the WLAN radio and the antenna network. In this position, the module affects transmit output power, receive sensitivity, switching loss, noise performance, board area, and RF matching. Its small QFN footprint makes it useful in compact wireless devices where a discrete PA, LNA, and RF switch solution would consume more layout space.

The part belongs to an earlier 802.11ac WLAN front-end generation. In maintenance or repeat-build projects, SKY85308-11 can support an existing layout when the original RF design, matching network, and firmware/control behavior are already qualified. For redesigns, newer Wi-Fi front-end modules should be compared carefully because RF pinout, gain, output power, linearity, control pins, supply rails, and antenna-match requirements can differ even when the frequency band appears similar.

Key Specifications

Key Features

• 2.4 GHz WLAN RF front-end module
• Designed for 802.11ac Wi-Fi applications
• 17 dBm front-end module description
• Supports compact Wi-Fi radio front-end integration
• Suitable for 2.4 GHz WLAN and Bluetooth/WLAN front-end architectures depending on system design
• 16-QFN 2.3 mm × 2.3 mm package
• Exposed-pad package for RF grounding and thermal connection
• Silicon RF technology
• Surface-mount assembly format
• RoHS-compliant status in distribution listings
• MSL 1 moisture sensitivity classification
• Standard reel quantity of 3,000 pieces
• Legacy part for existing 802.11ac WLAN designs
• Evaluation board option available as SKY85308-11EK1

Skyworks Solutions SKY85308-11 Overview

The Skyworks Solutions SKY85308-11 is a 2.4 GHz WLAN front-end module for 802.11ac and WLAN/Bluetooth RF applications. It integrates RF front-end functions for compact wireless products and is supplied in a small 16-QFN package measuring 2.3 mm × 2.3 mm, making it suitable for space-constrained Wi-Fi modules and embedded wireless hardware.

For engineers reviewing the SKY85308-11 datasheet, SKY85308-11 application, SKY85308-11 package, or SKY85308-11 equivalent, the device should be treated as a legacy 17 dBm 2.4 GHz WLAN FEM. It is associated with 802.11ac WLAN operation, front-end PA/LNA functionality, 50 Ω RF system design practices, and compact QFN assembly. Current sourcing requires lifecycle, date-code, traceability, and replacement-planning review because the part has entered obsolete status.

Technical Context

SKY85308-11 is used in the 2.4 GHz wireless front-end section between a WLAN/Bluetooth transceiver and the antenna path. In this position, the FEM helps manage transmit power, receive sensitivity, and RF switching within a very small PCB footprint. The 17 dBm output-power class makes it more suitable for compact WLAN client, module, and embedded applications than for high-power access-point transmit chains.

Because WLAN front-end modules sit directly in the RF signal path, board layout has a strong effect on real performance. Controlled-impedance RF traces, short ground return paths, exposed-pad soldering, supply bypassing, antenna matching, and isolation from digital noise should be reviewed together. For legacy designs, maintaining the original RF layout and matching network is often as important as finding the same electrical function.

SKY85308-11 has an associated SKY85308-11EK1 evaluation board for engineering evaluation. That board is useful for RF measurement and bench validation, but production substitution still requires checking package footprint, control pins, RF port arrangement, output power, receive path behavior, and wireless certification impact.

Key Specifications

Key Features

• 2.4 GHz WLAN front-end module
• Designed for 802.11ac WLAN RF applications
• 17 dBm output-power class
• Suitable for WLAN and Bluetooth-related 2.4 GHz front-end paths
• Integrated RF front-end functionality for compact wireless designs
• PA and receive-front-end function class in one module
• Supports reduced RF component count in Wi-Fi modules
• Compact 16-QFN 2.3 mm × 2.3 mm package
• Exposed-pad QFN construction for RF grounding
• Surface-mount assembly format
• RoHS-compliant construction
• MSL 1 moisture sensitivity classification
• Associated SKY85308-11EK1 evaluation board
• Legacy product suitable for maintenance and existing-design support

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

Quality

SKY85308-11 should be handled as an RF front-end IC requiring proper ESD precautions, moisture-control review, package inspection, and traceability checks. Incoming inspection should verify part marking, reel label, date code, exposed-pad package condition, terminal finish, and RoHS documentation where required.

RF validation should include transmit output level, receive-path behavior, insertion loss, noise performance, antenna match, supply bypassing, grounding, switching/control behavior, and final system coexistence testing. For an obsolete WLAN FEM, replacement evaluation should also consider software control, RF retuning, EMI behavior, and the effect on any wireless certification already completed for the product.

Availability

SKY85308-11 is an obsolete Skyworks Solutions RF front-end module. Skyworks announced last-time-buy support with final factory shipment timing in 2024, so current availability is generally based on remaining distributor, authorized aftermarket, or legacy channel inventory. SKY85308-11 is available at Aetrix Electronics for repair, maintenance, prototype, and existing-production support, subject to inventory, date code, traceability, and packaging condition.

Manufacturer

Skyworks Solutions Inc. supplies RF, analog, mixed-signal, timing, isolation, power, and connectivity products for mobile, wireless infrastructure, automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics applications. Its WLAN front-end portfolio includes RF front-end modules, power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, switches, and integrated wireless front-end solutions for Wi-Fi and connected-device platforms.

FAQ

What type of component is SKY85308-11?

SKY85308-11 is a Skyworks 2.4 GHz WLAN RF front-end module. It is associated with 802.11ac WLAN and Bluetooth-related 2.4 GHz RF front-end applications.

What wireless applications use SKY85308-11?

SKY85308-11 is used in 2.4 GHz WLAN front-end designs, including compact Wi-Fi modules, embedded wireless products, and 802.11ac client devices.

What output-power class is SKY85308-11?

SKY85308-11 is described as a 17 dBm 802.11ac WLAN FEM. This makes it suitable for moderate-power compact WLAN designs rather than very high-power access-point front ends.

What package does SKY85308-11 use?

SKY85308-11 uses a 16-QFN package measuring 2.3 mm × 2.3 mm. The package is also listed as a 16-XFQFN exposed-pad case for surface-mount RF assembly.

Is SKY85308-11 still active?

SKY85308-11 is obsolete. Skyworks issued a discontinuation notice with last-time-buy timing in 2024, so sourcing now depends on remaining inventory and customer acceptance of date code and traceability.

Did Skyworks name a direct alternate for SKY85308-11?

Skyworks' discontinuation notice lists no alternate material for SKY85308-11. Replacement selection therefore requires a full design review rather than a simple part-number swap.

What is SKY85308-11EK1?

SKY85308-11EK1 is the evaluation board for the SKY85308-11 front-end module. It is used for bench evaluation and RF measurement, not as a production substitute for the FEM IC.

What should be checked before replacing SKY85308-11?

Engineers should compare package footprint, RF port arrangement, PA output power, LNA behavior, control pins, supply requirements, matching network, antenna performance, EMI results, and wireless certification impact before replacing SKY85308-11.

Can a newer Skyworks WLAN FEM replace SKY85308-11?

A newer Skyworks WLAN FEM may be usable in a redesign, but it should not be treated as a direct replacement without checking the complete datasheet, RF layout, control interface, output power, and certification requirements.