Philips Semiconductors launches world's first fully integrated 3G RF chipset
Integrated solutions set new industry standards for improved performance, lower component count, and reduced system cost for advanced 3G handsets
15 October, 2001 - Philips Semiconductors, a division of Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI), today launched the world's first fully integrated 3G RF solution, designed to reduce the cost of 3G functionality and enable manufacturers to develop handsets in record time. This leading-edge 3G RF chipset enhances the reception, transmission and power amplification in a cellular handset.
By reducing the component count for a dual-mode handset to less than 150, Philips Semiconductors is addressing handset manufacturers' demands for small but cost-effective products capable of handling all the RF requirements for leading-edge 3G handsets. The chipset's state-of-the-art RF architecture and technology enables a low current consumption and a radio PCB size which is almost equivalent to a 2.5G radio. These are the factors that will become critical once the first dual-mode handset is on the market.
"The development of this RF chipset solution is testament to Philips Semiconductors' ability to understand the needs of the market and enable our customers to stay one step ahead of the competition," said Thierry Laurent, executive vice president at Philips Semiconductors. "We are a world leader in RF technology and this new chipset demonstrates that we have the know-how to lead our customers into the world of 3G."
The new 3G RF chipset consists of 3 chips: the UAA3580, which contains the receiver functions; the UAA3581, which handles the transmitter operations and the UAA3592, which controls the power amplification. The three ICs are all produced using the low cost, high integration, 0.25 µm QUBiC4 BiCMOS process from Philips Semiconductors. In combination with the single chip GSM/GPRS/EDGE UAA3536 transceiver it will support dual-mode GSM-GPRS-EDGE/UMTS functionality.
About Philips Semiconductors
Philips Semiconductors, with revenues of US $6.3 billion in 2000, is a world leader in silicon systems and standard products for wireless communications, digital entertainment, computing and automotive applications. The organization designs, develops and manufactures silicon solutions based on its innovative Nexperia™ architecture to create living technology for its customers building products, service providers using the products, and consumers enjoying the resulting products and services. For more information: www.semiconductors.philips.com.