Analog Devices unveils industry's first complete platform for edge cellular handset design

Blackfin SoftFone for EDGE includes digital baseband, analog, radio and power amplifier functions.

MArch 14, 2003 - Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal processing applications, today announced a complete chipset solution — from digital baseband through RF power amplifier —enabling wireless equipment suppliers to create next-generation handsets for the EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) standard. The EDGE standard enables higher-speed data services over the existing GSM/GPRS networks, with maximum data rates over 200 kilobits per second which is typically 3-5 times faster than the current GPRS network.

The new platform is based on ADI’s Blackfin processor, which provides the signal processing performance and low power consumption required for advanced portable devices. ADI’s Blackfin processor combines best-in-class digital signal processing performance with microcontroller functionality, and meets the computational demands and power constraints of today’s audio, video and communications applications. In addition to the digital baseband processor, the Blackfin SoftFoneâ for EDGE includes a high-performance mixed-signal analog baseband chip with integrated power management, an Othello® direct-conversion RF transceiver with polar modulator and dual-mode power amplifier. The Blackfin SoftFone for EDGE chipset solution will be demonstrated at ADI’s Booth #1031 at the CTIA Wireless 2003 Show in New Orleans, March 17-19.

“This chipset spans the microphone-to-antenna signal chain and demonstrates how we can leverage Analog Devices’ broad portfolio of signal processing technology to create complete solutions,” said Christian Kermarrec, vice president, RF and wireless systems, Analog Devices. “North American operators Cingular, AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile and other regional carriers have announced their intention to deploy EDGE during 2003 and have infrastructure already installed in most markets to support the standard. Our complete chipset enables manufacturers to develop phones quickly, providing the high speed data and voice access that cellular users want.”

“ Cingular is committed to providing high-speed EDGE service to our subscribers,” said John Carvalho, executive director – technology, Cingular Wireless. “Chipset implementations supporting EDGE and high data rate capabilities will enable suppliers to bring a wide range of handsets and wireless data devices to market quickly.”

Analog Devices’ Blackfin SoftFone for EDGE Platform
Analog Devices’ Blackfin SoftFone for EDGE Platform offers a number of benefits not currently available, including a scalable clock speed up to 247 MHz to implement voice codec, RF signal equalization algorithms and multimedia processing; full support of quad-band and Class 12 EGPRS operations; peripheral interfaces, including USB, IR, Secure Digital (SD), MultiMedia Card (MMC) and serial and parallel ports for color displays, monochrome displays and cameras.

ADI’s platform is the only solution to feature stereo digital-to-analog converters with sample rates up to 48 kHz which allows MP3-quality audio playback, game sounds and ringtones. The Dynamic Power Management feature of the Blackfin processor reduces clock speed and core voltage to minimize power consumption when full performance is not needed. The radio section of the platform includes an Othello direct-conversion radio transceiver and the ADL5561quad-band, dual-mode power amplifier with integrated precision power detection and control. This power amplifier operates in either GSM/GPRS or EDGE (8-PSK) modes and maintains output power at the correct level with tighter tolerances than alternative power-control methods. This leads to extended battery life and fewer dropped calls for the user, and simpler calibration of the phone in manufacturing.

TTPCom of Cambridge, UK has developed the EGPRS protocol stack software which fully complements the ADI chipset. TTPCom’s software – which is undergoing infrastructure and operator testing today - supports full multi-slot class 12, builds upon a proven GPRS solution and is compatible with TTPCom’s comprehensive applications suite.

More information is available on ADI's website.

About ADI in Wireless Communications
Analog Devices is noted for its unparalleled technical capabilities in analog, digital and mixed-signal technology used in data conversion, amplifiers, RF signal processing, interfaces and total system design. The company offers a wide range of innovative wireless products including solutions for GSM/GPRS, EDGE, and 3G handsets, cellular base stations, software radio, RF and IF circuits and power management ICs.