Reference Design Platform enables HEDGE smartphones.
Press Release Summary:
Manufactured using 65 nm process geometry, Model BCM92153 integrates HSDPA baseband modem and Category 8 HSDPA modem on single monolithic chip. Power management unit supports dynamic voltage management with 2 programmable step-down regulators. Chip incorporates Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, GPS, and FM radio technology, along with digital image processing with support for up to 3.2 megapixel camera. CellAirity(TM) 2.0 software includes pre-ported applications for HEDGE-based multimedia handsets.
Original Press Release:
Broadcom Announces Innovative Reference Design Platform to Enable the Next Wave of Low Cost HEDGE Smartphones
New Highly Integrated 65nm Single-Chip HSDPA + EDGE Reference Design and CellAirity(TM) Software Includes Broadcom's Industry Proven Bluetooth(R), Wi-Fi(R), FM Radio, GPS and Power Management Solutions, Significantly Reducing Cost and Form Factors
BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 11 /-- 2008 MWC -- Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced a new HEDGE reference design platform that will significantly accelerate the process of developing next generation smartphones for mass consumer handsets. The new reference design is based on Broadcom's breakthrough 65 nanometer single-chip dual-core HSDPA + EDGE multimedia baseband processor and integrates the leading connectivity solutions on a compact, cost efficient platform featuring all-Broadcom(R) silicon for the major communications components.
The new HEDGE reference design platform integrates a HSDPA baseband modem (with world-class application, audio and multimedia processors) and a Category 8 HSDPA modem (that delivers 7.2 Mbps third generation (3G) connectivity for advanced applications) on a single monolithic chip. The platform provides demonstrated support for the three major mobile operating systems. Advanced connectivity features include Broadcom's industry proven Bluetooth(R), Wi-Fi(R), GPS and FM radio technology, along with advanced digital image processing that features support for an up to 3.2 megapixel camera built in. With this level of integration, the new HEDGE reference design platform requires less board space, cost and power than competing solutions, provides fast time-to-market, and eliminates the cost premium typically associated with HSDPA handsets today.
"Broadcom has been driving the convergence of the leading wireless technologies on compact handsets for some time and has established leadership in multiple wireless segments with our field proven products," says Michael Civiello, Senior Director of Marketing for Broadcom's Mobile Communications line of business. "Bringing our various technologies together on a single reference design platform is a strong achievement, made possible by the breadth of our product portfolio and the strength of our engineering capabilities."
Broadcom will demonstrate its new HSDPA reference design platform for smartphones at the 2008 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, from February 11th to 14th.
Handset Evolution Drives Convergence
As the 3G cellular landscape continues to evolve towards higher speed mobile connections, the market has moved to HSDPA to address cutting-edge multimedia and communications capabilities. With the continued proliferation of advanced multimedia, messaging and other features in handsets, the smartphone segment of the market is expected to increasingly extend into consumer markets, with as many as 368 million units projected to be sold in 2011, according to In-Stat market research. The key features that continue to grow in prominence as handset OEMs actively look to incorporate them into their phones include:
-- HSDPA connectivity for the highest available cellular bandwidth available.
-- Advanced multimedia capabilities, including support for H.264 video and high quality digital photographs.
-- Wi-Fi to provide high speed local area connectivity for viewing web pages or downloading large media files from the Internet.
-- Bluetooth to enable hands free communications and wireless synchronization with PCs or other devices.
-- GPS to allow location based services, such as navigation and mapping offerings tied to directory assistance to help consumers find their locations.
-- FM radio to allow a connection to live broadcasts, such as sports and news, and also to connect phones and media players to in-car stereo systems.
In the past, handset makers have had to rely upon multiple vendors to attempt to enable these various capabilities, requiring the investment of significant resources to develop platforms around multiple software approaches and disparate component system architectures. Today, Broadcom introduces an integrated design platform that addresses many existing design limitations, accelerates time-to-market and opens up new possibilities for a full range of HSDPA handset designs.
Technical Information
Announced today is the Broadcom BCM92153 reference design platform that is based on the BCM2153 3G baseband processor, the BCM59035 power management unit and CellAirity(TM) 2.0 software that includes pre-ported applications for HEDGE-based multimedia handsets. The platform also integrates Broadcom's latest generation Bluetooth, FM and Wi-Fi devices for enhanced voice and multimedia connectivity. The BCM92153 reference design combines the radio frequency (RF) front-end, baseband, high performance multimedia and applications processing functions on a converged design, resulting in reduced bill of materials (BOM) cost and a smaller printed circuit board (PCB) form factor.
The BCM2153 baseband processor also integrates Broadcom's popular M-Stream technology, which significantly improves voice and data quality in areas with moderate or weak cellular signal condition. The end result is fewer dropped calls, extended range coverage and an overall improved user experience.
The reference design also features the BCM4325 combo solution that includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and FM radio on a single-chip solution, achieving high levels of performance at very low power because it is the first in the industry to be manufactured using 65 nm process geometry. In addition, the design includes the BCM4750 single-chip GPS receiver that leverages Broadcom's extensive CMOS radio experience to deliver superior performance and lower power than competing solutions.
To round out its features, the BCM92153 includes the BCM59035 power management unit (PMU) that addresses the complex power management features needed in mobile systems and supports dynamic voltage management with two programmable, high efficiency step-down regulators. It also includes eleven high performance programmable low drop-out regulators, an integrated real-time clock and comprehensive battery management support. The BCM59035 also supports USB OTG 200mA Vbus.
About Broadcom
Broadcom Corporation is a major technology innovator and global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom products enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment. We provide the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art, system-on-a-chip and software solutions to manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices. These solutions support our core mission: Connecting everything(R).
Broadcom is one of the world's largest fabless semiconductor companies, with 2007 revenue of $3.78 billion, and holds over 2,500 U.S. and 1,000 foreign patents, more than 7,400 additional pending patent applications, and one of the broadest intellectual property portfolios addressing both wired and wireless transmission of voice, video and data.
Broadcom is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and has offices and research facilities in North America, Asia and Europe. Broadcom may be contacted at +1.949.926.5000 or at http://www.broadcom.com/.
Broadcom(R), the pulse logo, Connecting everything(R), the Connecting everything logo and CellAirity(TM) are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. Bluetooth(R) is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Wi-Fi(R) is a trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
Broadcom Trade Press Contact
Jeremy Hyatt
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
949-926-5971
jhyatt@broadcom.com
Web site: http://www.broadcom.com/
