NXP says its single-chip solutions will drive next wave of ultra low-cost handsets

Mumbai: NXP Semiconductors today announced its Nexperia PNX4903 GSM / GPRS-optimised multimedia solution for the ultra low-cost (ULC) segment of the mobile handset market. Delivering complete system-level operation in a single monolithic IC, the PNX4903 provides the highest levels of integration and performance and is the most cost-effective solution available for multimedia-enabled ULC handsets.

Representing the ULC+ concept, NXP says its solution raises 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 addresses competitive ULC market demands for the combination of RF performance, power consumption metrics, features and total cost. Superior RF performance allows 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 neighbouring 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 times. The smaller batteries that can be utilised also allow for thinner and lighter handset designs.

In addition, the ULC+ multimedia solution enables a music phone with colour screen, MP3 playback, removable flash memory card and FM Tuner for a total bill of materials under $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 base bands, 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 light of this evolution, NXP has introduced the Nexperia PNX4903 ULC+ solution to raise the bar for ULC handsets and bring new features like high-quality music playback to users while still meeting the same level of affordability and performance necessary in emerging markets."

"During the next phase of rapid expansion of mobile communications in the rural and semi-urban areas of India, NXP would like to fulfill the aspirations of first-time handset users by offering the next experience in multimedia at a ULC price point," said Ashok Chandak, director of Global Sales, NXP Semiconductors, India. "Building on the successful deployment of ULC phones based on NXP''s current generation chipsets in India, handset manufacturers and operators can now deliver differentiating and value-added features using the Nexperia PNX4903 ULC+ multimedia solution. Furthermore, we are proud that the NXP India team played a part in the development of the PNX4903 subsystem and were able to offer their insight regarding the specific needs of the Indian market."

The PNX4903, built on the AeroFONE single-chip heritage from Silicon Labs'' cellular communications business, is developed using a low power, high-performance CMOS process and incorporates an industry-leading ARM926-EJS MCU core and high-performance DSP core. The comprehensive solution fully integrates analog and digital baseband, RF transceiver, power management unit (PMU) subsystem, battery-charging circuitry, audio subsystem and all voltage regulators (LDOs and DC/DC) in a single chip.

The PNX4903 hardware reference design is accompanied by a flexible, pre-integrated and validated software complement that reduces R&D expenses and speeds time to market. Other features of the PNX4903 include:

• SAIC support for increased network capacity
  
• Dual-band Rx and Tx (850 or 900/1800 or 1900)
  
• MP3 playback with support for SD card
  
• 40 voice polyphonic MIDI and MP3 ringtones
  
• Alternate 40-kS/s audio mode for polyphonic ringtones
  
• Microphone amplifier with two differential inputs
  
• Two differential audio output amplifiers
  
• HR / FR / EFR / AMR vocoders
• Speaker phone noise suppression and echo cancellation

NXP is a top 10 semiconductor company founded by Philips more than 50 years ago. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company NXP creates semiconductors, system solutions and software that deliver better sensory experiences in mobile phones, personal media players, TVs, set-top boxes, identification applications, cars and a wide range of other electronic devices.