NXP Introduces Single-Chip Multimedia Solution for Entry-Level Cell Phone Markets

By Anuradha Shukla

TMCnet Contributing Editor

 

NXP Semiconductors (News - Alert) has introduced its Nexperia PNX4903 GSM/GPRS-optimized multimedia solution for the Ultra Low-Cost (ULC) segment of the mobile handset market.

The PNX4903 delivers complete system-level operation in a single monolithic IC, and provides a high level of integration and performance. The company points out that it is the most cost-effective solution available for multimedia-enabled ULC handsets. NXP’s solution represents the ULC+ concept 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.

NXP Semiconductors’ Nexperia PNX4903 focusses on the competitive ULC market demands for the combination of RF performance, power consumption metrics, features and total cost.

Thanks to the superior RF performance there is significant flexibility in network planning, particularly in emerging markets where network coverage tends to be sparse in rural areas.

The company explains that in over-subscribed urban areas, phones that have sub-par RF performance can create interference on neighboring channels, which impacts overall cellular network efficiency. In addition, to facilitate consistent phone operation, the battery discharges superior power consumption allows for industry-leading standby and talk times. Additionally, the smaller batteries that can be utilized allow for thinner and lighter handset designs.

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 USD$20. The new PNX4903 allows a complete, dual-band GSM/GPRS modem to be realized with just 49 external components on a low-cost, four-layer printed circuit board (PCB). A power amplifier and memory are the only external ICs needed. The PNX4903 solution integrates the analog and digital basebands, RF transceiver, power management, and audio circuitry in a monolithic IC to deliver 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 a statement.

Vishakhadatta continued: “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.”

Ashok Chandak, director of Global Sales, NXP Semiconductors India said that during the next phase of rapid expansion of mobile communications in the rural and semi-urban areas of India, NXP aims to fulfill the aspirations of first-time handset users by offering the next experience in multimedia at a ULC price point.

Chandak said that 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,” he added.

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