Intel Wireless-Internet-On-A-Chip For Cell Phones

[RommelS]

Source: Intel

Intel Announces 'Wireless-Internet-On-A-Chip' For Cell Phones
(02/13/2003)

Industry's First Single-Chip Cellular Processor Combines Computing, Memory and Communications Functions



SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 13, 2003 - Intel Corporation today announced a new cellular processor that uses advanced "wireless-Internet-on-a-chip" technology.

The highly integrated microchip is the first to combine the key components of today's cellular phones and handheld computers onto a single piece of silicon - promising to bring advanced functionality, longer battery life and more innovative phone designs to mainstream phones.

Called the Intel® PXA800F cellular processor, it is a key component of the Intel® Personal Internet Client Architecture (Intel® PCA), Intel's development blueprint for designing wireless handheld communication devices that combine voice communications and Internet access capabilities.

In creating unique "wireless-Internet-on-a-chip" technology, Intel engineers overcame significant technical hurdles associated with combining the different design and manufacturing technologies for processing, flash memory and communications functions. The Intel PXA800F cellular processor is built using a single process to place all key components onto one chip using the industry's leading .13-micron silicon manufacturing technology.

"Intel's ability to provide communications, computing and memory functions in a single chip is unmatched in the industry and promises to deliver outstanding performance, greater versatility and a richer experience to cell phone users worldwide," said Hans Geyer, Intel vice president and general manager of its PCA Components Group. "As the industry transitions from voice-only phones to advanced devices that combine voice and data, the ability to effectively and efficiently combine advanced processing, memory and communications technologies will be required to drive the next-generation of cell phones."

Bringing High-End Capability to Mainstream Cell Phones
Today, feature-rich phones that include integrated camera, color screen, and games have multiple components, and represent the most expensive and sophisticated portion of the cell phone market segment. However, history has demonstrated that when more capabilities are put on a single chip, the functionality of the device increases and production costs decrease.

By combining multiple functions through silicon integration, Intel has delivered a cellular processor with higher performance, lower power, and increased reliability that increases the capabilities of a mainstream, data-enabled cell phone.

The First "All-in-One" Processor for Cell Phones
The Intel PXA800F cellular processor features a high-performance, low-power processor running at 312 MHz based on the Intel® XScale™ technology with four megabytes of integrated Intel® On-Chip Flash memory and 512 kilobytes (KB) of SRAM for industry leading application performance. In addition, the Intel PXA800F cellular processor includes a 104 MHz signal processor using the Intel® MicroSignal architecture with 512 KB of integrated Intel On-Chip Flash memory and 64 KB of SRAM, resulting in a complete system on a single chip for advanced GSM/GPRS cellular networks.

Industry Support
The increasing availability of mobile content and the emergence of worldwide wireless data standards are driving the development of a new generation of data-enabled wireless devices for businesses and consumers. To assist phone manufacturers with the rapid development and deployment of wireless devices, applications and services, Intel has worked with communications industry leaders including TTPCom Ltd.*, Esmertec*, Elektrobit*, ADI*, RF Micro Devices, Inc.*, Dialog* and Jamdat* to offer a complete communications system in support of the Intel PXA800F cellular processor.

From power management modules to mixed signal and radio frequency capabilities to form-fit reference designs, this platform speeds the development process by supplying key software and hardware components to enable rapid production of GSM/GPRS handsets.

Pricing and Availability
The Intel PXA800F cellular processor is sampling today with production volumes expected in the third quarter of 2003. Products using the new processors will be available later this year, or early next year. The Intel PXA800F cellular processor has a suggested list price of $35 (US) in 10,000 unit quantities. More information on the new processors can be found at www.intel.com/info/gprs.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

[Starscream]

well.. put this on RommelS's "list of cool new stuff to buy" (perhaps mine too, esp since i just got a job with Cingular!)

[RommelS]

Hehe ...it would be nice to have, but I'm happy with my Pocket PC Phone Edition.