Philips announces availability of first GSM/GPRS/EDGE handsets based on Nexperia Cellular System

According to analyst firm IDC, worldwide mobile phone shipments rose 23 percent between Q303 to Q304 to reach 164.1 million units. This growth is due in large part to replacement trends. EDGE has become an attractive high-speed wireless option for handset makers looking to advance the user experience for data applications, such as video streaming and real-time audio, from previous generations. The Nexperia Cellular System Solution allows manufacturers to deliver integrated, cost-effective handsets to market quickly while optimizing multimedia performance.

"Handset makers need to continuously deliver updated, feature-rich models to drive consumer sales," said Gert-Jan Kaat, senior vice president of the Mobile Communications Business Unit of Philips Semiconductors. "The Philips Nexperia Cellular System Solution, featuring EDGE capabilities, provides a flexible, upgradable solution that enables quick and easy access to information anywhere and at any time."

Validated for EDGE class 10, the 6110 solution supports data transfers with fast downlink speeds of up to 220 kbps. The inclusion of an ARM9 baseband and the LifeVibes™ Multimedia suite makes it possible to stream 3GPP or MPEG4 files in 15 frames per second in quarter common image format (QCIF), making it ideal for TV on mobile. The solution also enables high-quality QCIF video recording at 15 frames per second without the need for an external coprocessor. The playback of MP3 and AAC audio files, as well as the generation of stereo polyphonic sounds, makes use of the fully integrated stereo capabilities. Built-in mono interference cancellation (MIC), a version of single-antenna interference cancellation (SAIC), improves voice quality, decreases the number of dropped calls and increases data transmission speeds.

The integrated LifeVibes software suite further supports certified, JTWI compliant Java with JSR 135 Mobile Multimedia API (MMAPI), OMA DRM 1, revolutionary full-duplex speakerphone functionality including noise cancellation, and voice clarity features for the enhancement of speech intelligibility.

The Philips Nexperia Cellular System Solution 6100 is comprised of a quad band class 12-capable EDGE chipset, including Philips Nexperia Cellular Baseband (PCF5213), RF SiP (UAA3587), power amplifier (BGY284E), power management unit (PCF50603), integrated discretes and software. The bill of materials (BOM) is highly competitive due to component integration. Hardware extensions include the Nexperia Mobile Image Processor (PNX4000), FM radio (TEA5761UK) and Bluetooth 1.2 module (BGB204).

Philips' EDGE system solution has achieved full Interoperability Test (IOT) validation, which ensures reliability and compliance with networks. The solution comes with a developer's kit, providing customers with immediate access to the platform to develop their own applications, as well as a self-guided training pack and complete set of documentation. Worldwide local support is available to help customers get to market quickly with the right product. Furthermore, Philips offers training sessions for hands-on learning.

Philips pioneered the system solution approach in 1999.