NXP introduces single chip multimedia solution

Bangalore, Sep 4 (UNI) Underscoring its commitment to developing wireless technology in emerging markets, NXP Semiconductors (NXP) today announced the availability of a single chip with multimedia solutions for Ultra Low Cost (ULC) segment of the mobile handset market.

The company, in a release here, said delivering complete system-level operation in a single monolithic IC, the PNX4903 provided the highest levels of integration and performance and was the most cost-effective solution available for multimedia-enabled ULC handsets. Representing the ULC concept, NXP's solution raised the bar and allows handset OEMs/ODMs to deliver new levels of rich, multimedia content to entry-level cell phone users in a reliable, cost-and power-efficient package.

The Nexperia PNX4903 addressed competitive ULC market demands for the combination of RF performance, power consumption metrics, features and total cost. Superior RF performance allowed significant flexibility in network planning, particularly in emerging markets where network coverage tends to be sparse in rural areas.

In over-subscribed urban areas, phones that have sub-par RF performance can create interference on neighboring channels, thereby impacting overall cellular network efficiency. Superior power consumption performance facilitates consistent phone operation as the battery discharges while allowing for industry-leading standby and talk time. The smaller batteries that can be utilised also allow for thinner and lighter handset designs, it added.

In addition, the ULC multimedia solution enables a music phone with color screen, MP3 playback, removable flash memory card and FM Tuner for a total bill of materials under US Dollar 20. While traditional multi-chip handset designs require three times the number of external components on a more complex printed circuit board, the PNX4903 allows a complete, dual-band GSM/GPRS modem to be realised with just 49 external components on a low-cost, four-layer printed circuit board (PCB). The only external ICs needed are a power amplifier and memory.

By integrating the analog and digital basebands, RF transceiver, power management, and audio circuitry in a monolithic IC, the PNX4903 solution delivers the lowest bill of materials and PCB footprint, along with the lowest manufacturing and test costs of any solution currently available.

''As wireless connectivity continues to proliferate across the entire globe, the definition of an 'Ultra Low-Cost' handset is rapidly evolving along with the expectations of consumers.

Entry-level users in places like China, India and Latin America now desire the same value-added applications available in today's more mature wireless markets,'' said Diwakar Vishakhadatta, Vice President, Entry-level Products, Business Line Cellular Systems, NXP Semiconductors in the release.

UNI